Free parking for all - businessman scraps all charges

A businessman is the toast of his local village after taking over a council-run car park - and making it completely free.

Generous Rob Braddick instantly scrapped all charges as soon as he completed on the deal for the land in popular Westward Ho!.

Now, anyone wishing to park in the Seafield Car Park can do so for nothing - but best be quick, spaces are limited to just 20.

The 44-year-old, whose family have run Braddicks Leisure Ltd in the village for nearly 70 years, said the car park was in a field that his granddad previously owned but was compulsory purchased in 1965.

It was turned into a council-run car park 15 years ago and charged visitors a day rate of £3.

Rob says he now hopes it will be used for the public to enjoy the picturesque coastal walk and provide a boost to local traders.

Rob, who declined to comment on how much he paid for the lease, said he first approached Torridge District Council several months ago but only finalised the deal at 4pm on Tuesday.

He now hopes to extend the car park by a third - but maintains it will always remain free.