Businesses and shoppers in Stanford-le-Hope have received a welcome boost after Thurrock Council negotiated free parking over the festive season.

Thurrock Council has reached agreement with the owners of King Street Car Park, Stanford-le-Hope, to provide two hours of free parking throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

From today, drivers will be able to park free of charge for two hours after the council block-booked 32 of the spaces.

The agreement follows the council’s announcement last week that all council-owned car parks and its pay and display on-street parking will be free every Saturday in December – kicking off on Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Aaron Watkins, portfolio holder for Environment and Highways, said: “I am very pleased we have again been able to reach agreement for free parking at the King Street Car Park in Stanford-le-Hope over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

“As well as a chance to support our residents at what we know is an expensive time of year, this is also an opportunity to show our support for our fantastic businesses.

“Together with the free parking in our own car parks every Saturday throughout December, I hope these initiatives will have a positive impact on our high streets and the local economy.”

For more information about parking in Thurrock, visit www.thurrock.gov.uk/parking.