FOOTBALL fans parking in the Merton Meadow car park on the day of Hereford FC's FA Vase final at Wembley can do so for £1.

Herefordshire Council has agreed to cut prices from the normal Sunday price of £3 to discourage parking in nearby residential areas.

The authority also says "a significant number of supporters" are expectant to visit city centre pubs on their return from the clash with Morpeth Town on May 22.

The discounted price, agreed this morning, will only apply to motorists arriving in the city's biggest car park before 8am.

"It is estimated that around 30 coaches will be leaving outside the football ground on Merton Meadow car park prior to 8am on the morning of 22 May, in support of Hereford FC appearing in the FA Vase final at Wembley," the council said.

"Mindful of the need to reduce the possibility of traffic disruption to surrounding residential areas the reduced tariff will encourage drivers to utilise this car park.

"Also, on returning it is expected that a significant number of supporters will frequent the city outlets available, supporting the local economy."

Around 17,000 tickets have been sold so far for the match which will take place just a year after the club was formed.

The Wembley date marks the end of an incredible season which has seen the Bulls clinch the Midland Football League title and the HFA County Challenge Cup. Next Tuesday they face Walsall Wood in the final of the Polymac Packaging League Cup.

The council has admitted attendances at Hereford's home games this season have "exceeded expectations" with 2,800 the average attendance at home matches.