A controversial residents parking system for a key road in Frome - Weymouth Road - has been set back and the machine for buying parking tickets for the stretch alongside Victoria Park vandalised.

The plans to stop free parking in the area has been met with dismay by those using the park, along with local residents, who are fearful it will just push parking elsewhere.

But in response Somerset County Council say they are planning on increasing the free time allowed to park on the road, and are awaiting an exact date on when the scheme will be imposed.

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: ""It's extremely disappointing the machine in has been vandalised. We'd really appreciate it if any residents who may have information about this incident could report this to the Police and County Council.

"We will be arranging for the machine to be checked and if necessary repaired. The scheme for Weymouth Road has been delayed following a request for its implementation to be reconsidered. "As part of the reconsideration we will be providing a number of disabled driver parking bays and will be increasing the free parking period. "

The parking ticket system was originally expected to be in place in mid August, but as Frome Town Council heard, neighbouring streets were concerned that this would simply move the 'parked car problem' elsewhere.

You can read the Frome Nub News report from the Town Council meeting at the time by clicking HERE : where councillors heard about fears that parking in that area is going to be a nightmare.

SCC added : "We are now finalising the signing and lining requirements in light of these enhancements and will be implementing the scheme as soon as our contractor can install the signs and lines. Once a date has been provided for the works we will update residents.

"We will be reviewing the scheme after a few months of operation, the review will include the neighbouring road, particularly Somerset and Nunney Roads."