THE curtain is coming down on free parking at Hereford's Courtyard theatre.

Preparations are being made for the installation of ticket machines in the theatre's car park, which is planning to charge users from next Monday.

"Five years of people having free car parking has led to a situation where it has been very much abused," said Courtyard chief executive Martyn Green. "There's been a huge impact since the council put charges up. People have been parking everywhere.

"It is crucial for the theatre to look to all avenues of earning capacity."

Money raised from the new parking charges will all filter back into the theatre's coffers.

"Once people know that the money is coming to us, I'm sure they'll be supportive."

Evening visitors will have to pay a pound, with Friends of The Courtyard being able to park free of charge.

Visitors dropping in to book tickets or have a coffee during the day will require a 30-minute ticket at a cost of 20 pence. Daytime prices then rise - 50 pence for up to an hour; £1 for up to two hours; £1.50 for up to three hours and £2.50 for up to four - in an effort to deter day-trippers.

"The biggest hit is £4.50 for four hours and over, to discourage people from using the car-park for anything other than visiting The Courtyard," said Mr Green.

"I accept that the car-park is not big enough, but The Courtyard is still one of the few theatres in the country that has its own car-park.

"We will review the situation in three and six months time."

Chairman of the Friends, Howard Evans, said: "The general view is that we regret the fact that charges are being introduced, but accept that it is inevitable."