The Council’s Free after 3pm parking scheme is being reintroduced for two months to cover the Christmas and New Year period.

From 18 November until 16 January in ALL Council-run car parks and on-street parking facilities Monday to Saturday.

Car parks and on-street parking places are also free on Sundays.

Executive Councillor Alan Mitchell said: “We recognise that the run-up to Christmas is one of the most important times of the year for retailers and want to demonstrate our support for local traders. We know there is a lot on offer for shoppers and visitors in our town centres and we hope they will make the most of this free Council initiative. Whilst there have been lots of discussions in relation to long-term parking measures we felt it was vital to get something in place now to support our traders at this important time of year.”