SHOPPERS in Southend will be treated to free parking in council car parks next month in a bid to boost high street trading.

All Southend Council car parks will be free after 4pm on Thursdays and all day on Sundays during December, as the authority bids to encourage Christmas shoppers to get their gifts, decorations and supplies in town.

In addition, there will also be free all-day parking on Small Business Saturday, December 5, in car parks at Ilfracombe Avenue in Southchurch, North Road, Ceylon Road and Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff, Elm Road and North Street in Leigh, and Thorpe Bay Broadway.

Deputy leader of the council Ian Gilbert said: “We always try to do what we can to help the shops and bring trade into the town because, as we said when we started this administration, we are open for business.

“It’s about extending peak times for shoppers so that shops get trade, which is good for them, shoppers, and the authority.”

Dawn Jeakings, manager of the Royals Shopping Centre and chairman of Southend Business Improvement District (BID), said it would be a welcome boost for traders in town.

She said: “It’s essential that we have something which will encourage people to come in, as there’s always the fact that we have to compete with people shopping on the internet, but I don’t think you can beat the experience of shopping in town.

“I’ve just seen a sign in a shop saying ‘if you can’t find your size, order online,’ but I have to try it on first! You also miss that whole experience of meeting with friends, having a cup of coffee, and from this weekend, even ice skating.”

Castle Point Council will consider suspending short-stay car parking charges between December 19 and 27 when its cabinet committee meets on Wednesday. **Nov 18** Rochford District Council has not yet made a decision on free Christmas parking but has, in previous years, offered free Saturday parking in car parks it controls.