CHARGES will be suspended at council-run car parks, in a bid to crank up Christmas sales.

Parking charges in Basildon, Wickford and Billericay are being cancelled from Christmas Eve until Monday January 3.

Basildon Council introduced free parking at weekends in February 2009 to support the borough’s town centres by encouraging people to shop locally.

It has now temporarily extended the scheme as a festive bonus for traders.

Tory Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “This is a bonus not only to the shoppers and local community, but also to our businesses, which will be able to compete with out-of-area shopping centres during the festive period.

“This will, in turn, help to boost the local economy.

“We want to support our residents and businesses and give people the opportunity to shop and not be penalised for parking over the festive period.”

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said: “The free weekend parking scheme has been an overwhelming success.

“Introducing free parking over the whole Christmas period will further boost local trade this Christmas.

“We also hope this will attract shoppers into the town from outside of the area.”

CAR Parks covered by Basildon Council’s free Christmas parking scheme include:

  • The two car parks behind Somerfield in Wickford, one at Wickford Swimming Pool, the car park behind the Iceland store in Billericay High Street and the Radford Crescent car park, also in Billericay.
  • Nearer to Basildon town centre, shoppers can also park for free at the 250-capacity car park at Gloucester Park Swimming Pool.
  • The offer does not include the Basildon Centre upper or lower car park behind the Towngate Theatre on December 29, 30 and 31, as this is needed for council staff parking.

SHOPPERS in Rochford and Southend will also be able to park for free during the festive period:

  • Rochford District Council is letting people park for free all day on four Saturdays – November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18. Shoppers can take advantage of the offer at all council-owned car parks in Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley, Hullbridge and Canewdon.
  • Southend Council is offering free parking from 4pm every Thursday, from December 2 until December 23, and every Sunday in December. It applies to most town centre car parks including Alexandra Street, Warrior Square and the Royals.