Free parking will be offered in all of Midhurst’s council-run car parks until April 16, to help support local businesses and residents affected by the devastating fire at The Angel Inn hotel.

The fire started in a neighbouring property in North Street in the early hours of Thursday, March 16, before spreading to the roof of the 400-year-old hotel.

Fourteen fire engines tackled the blaze and more than 30 people, including a number of Ukrainian refugees, were evacuated from the building.

Two weeks on, engineers are still assessing whether the front of the 17th-century building can be saved, while the A286 North Street remains closed for vehicles directly outside The Angel Inn.

This has had a severe impact on businesses and residents in the town, so Chichester District Council is offering free parking to help draw shoppers back into Midhurst.

The offer applies to all car parks run by the district council, including North Street car park, the post office car park, and Grange car park, all of which are a short walk away from the town’s shops and businesses. The majority of businesses are open and North Street is accessible on foot.

Once parked, customers do not need to do anything — there is no need to take a ticket from the machine, or to book anything in advance.

Signs will be in place in the car parks.

“Midhurst businesses need our support more than ever and so we are encouraging people to shop locally in Midhurst wherever they can,” said a Chichester District Council spokesperson.

“In order to help with this, we will be offering free parking in our Midhurst car parks, including North Street car park, the Post Office car park, and Grange car park, all of which are a short walk away from the shops and businesses. The majority of businesses are open and North Street is accessible to pedestrians.

“Once parked, customers do not need to do anything — there is no need to take a ticket from the machine, or to book anything on Mipermit. Signage will be in place in the car parks.”