Southwell Town Council approved proposal to introduce free car parking on the last three Saturdays of December

Car parking charges will be suspended during the festive season in a town centre.

At a Southwell Town Council full meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to suspend the charge at all their carparks in the town on the last three Saturdays in December.

The aim behind the proposal is to support the shops in the town in the run-up to Christmas and encourage people to shop locally.

Free Parking will be available on December 7, 14 and 21 in Church Street, King Street and the Bramley Centre Car Park until 6pm.

The council is urging retailers and staff to use alternative parking such as the Long Stay Car Park at the Leisure Centre during this period to free up spaces for the shoppers.

The proposal follows Newark and Sherwood District Council offering free weekend and bank holiday parking at its pay and display car parks from November 24 to December 29.

Despite wanting to promote the town's high street and its shops, the council is set to make an estimated loss of £876 during those three Saturdays.