Dorset Council could be doing more to increase its income – according to West Dorset councillor Simon Christopher.

He says the authority owns a number of sites, adjoining existing car parks, which could provide extra parking, and extra income, at little cost.

Aidan Dunn, the executive director for corporate development, said all ideas were being considered but each with an eye to what he described as ‘return on effort.’

He said the current thinking was that bigger projects, such as selling buildings and land not needed by the council, might produce a better return for staff time.

Mr Dunn also said that although the car park idea could bring in income the money would have to be spent on transport-related activities, such as highways and car parking, and could not be switched to other spending under the council’s rules.