TRADERS in the Grassmarket have so far had no takers for their offer of free parking, introduced to increase trade in the area.

Local business owners offered to pay for two hours' parking if customers spent £10 in a restaurant or bar, or £40 in a shop.

They are concerned about a drop in trade during the current £5.1 million revamp of the area.

The offer started last Thursday and runs until the end of May.

Paul Duncan, of Mamma's American Pizza and a member of the Grassmarket Area Traders Association, said: "We have had a number of enquiries, although no one has taken us up on the offer yet. It is early days though, and what is important is that it seems to have got the message out to people that there is still parking available here, and that the Grassmarket is open for business.

"We have certainly been busy over the last few days, and I'm sure as more people find out about the offer we will get people taking us up on it."

Businesses in the area have reported takings down by around 20 per cent, with some reporting losses of up to 50 per cent.

Ben Raffles, assistant manager at Helios Fountain, said: "We have not had anyone take up the offer yet. But this last weekend was one of the quietest I can remember."

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