There will be no parking charges in Stroud District Council operated car parks on the three Saturdays before Christmas.

On the 6th, 13th and 20th December motorists will be able to park for free in all of the council’s pay and display car parks.

Councillor Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, Stroud District Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Tourism, added: “In the current economic climate we hope that this offer will help to encourage people to shop in our towns.”

Shoppers will be able to park for free all day in the council’s long-stay car parks which can be found at Cheapside, London Road, and Parliament Street in Stroud; and at Stonehouse High Street and Stamages Lane in Painswick.

In the three short-stay car parks in Stroud (Rowcroft, Church Street and the multi-storey car park at London Road) parking will also be free, however the maximum stay will be limited to the usual short stay restrictions in order to encourage the turnover of parking spaces so that more motorists can park and shop.