PARKING charges in several local market towns will be temporarily waived by Cotswold District Council to support the launch of festive celebrations.

Christmas shoppers will be able to enjoy free parking to attend Christmas lights switch-ons and celebratory events all day at Moreton's Old Market Way car park on Saturday November 28; after 4pm at Rissington Road car park at Bourton-on-the-Water on Friday December 4 and all day free parking at Maugersbury Road car park, in Stow, on Saturday December 5.

Cllr Chris Hancock, CDC Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Partnerships, said: “We hope that suspending charges to coincide with Christmas light launches and other festive events will ease the financial burden on families who plan to use their cars to get there. These concessions should also help to boost trade in local shops.

“We are also looking to introduce some parking charge concessions early next year to attract more motorists to our market towns during what is a relatively quiet trading period. We did this for the first time in January and February this year and it was very well received.”