Parking concessions are being recommended for Beaminster because of ongoing traffic problems caused by an attempt to steal a cashpoint machine using a farm telehandler.

The area remains cordoned off with work needed to repair structural damage resulting from the mid-August ram raid.

District councillors are being told that temporary traffic lights and a one-way system have resulted in a loss of parking at the Square and visitors are being put off by the disruption.

A large area of the Square could remain closed to the public in future with contractors likely to need much of the area while their work continues.

The district strategy committee, which will meet on September 11, is being asked to approve free parking at the short stay section of Yarn Barton while work - expected to take at least three months -continues, and to consider free parking in the Square once it is known how many spaces will be available.

The cost of using just the 10 short-stay spaces at Yarn Barton is expected to be around £700.

If the long stay is also included that would add another £4,600, assuming the concessions remain in place for three months.

The likely cost of only having half the spaces in the Square in use has been put at £1,500.

Beaminster Town Council met with structural engineers and builders yesterday to assess the damage.

Town clerk, Christine Bright, said it is not possible to give too much detail of the likely timescale at this stage, but builders hope to start removing some of the rubble and stonework next week.

They will confirm if it is possible later this week after risk assessments have been completed and depending on availability of necessary equipment and staff.

In a statement, Ms Bright said: ‘The whole procedure will be a delicate operation both to safeguard the building and to make it safe for those working in and around the building. The engineers understand the necessity to get two-way traffic operating ASAP and, if at all possible, also reinstate all the parking spaces in the Square.’