PEOPLE looking to get their Christmas shopping wrapped up in the Vale and Cotswolds can park for free in towns across the area on selected dates.

Evesham, Pershore and Broadway are among the places where a scheme allowing parking to be free after 3pm and 20p for three hours on a number of dates in the run-up to Christmas.

Councillor Paul Middlebrough, Leader of Wychavon said: “This discounted and free parking encourages shoppers and visitors to our towns in the run up to Christmas. Keeping our towns vibrant and attractive to shoppers and visitors is essential and something we’re committed to and we are pleased to do this for a second year.”

The scheme relates to the following times - • Evesham (Only applies to Wychavon car parks) Free from 3pm – Saturday, November 17 20p for 3 hours – Saturday, December 22 (Evesham’s traditional Christmas market) Merstow Green/Oat Street/Chapel Street/The Leys car parks.

• Pershore (Only applies to Wychavon car parks) Free from 3pm – Friday, December 14 (late night shopping).

20p for 3 hours – Saturday, 15 December High Street/ Civic Centre car parks.

• Broadway (Only applies to Wychavon car parks) Free from 3pm – Friday, November 30 (late night shopping) Free from 3pm – Friday, December 7(late night shopping) 3 hours at 20p Saturday, December 15 Posters displaying the times and dates will be displayed on pay and display machines and information boards.

Meanwhile, we have been asked to confirm that there is no ‘24/7 free parking scheme’ operating in Pershore following calls related to a letter which appeared in the Journal earlier this month.