FREE festive parking will return to Southend town centre this December.

All ten of the council run car parks across Southend town centre will be free on Thursdays after 4pm for late-night shopping and all day on Sundays throughout December.

Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “The Christmas period is important for local traders and that is why we are pleased to once again offer our free festive parking on Thursday evenings and Sundays.

“I hope that both residents and visitors to Southend will take advantage of this and help local retailers enjoy a bumper Christmas.

“We’re also supporting Small Business Saturday on December 1 providing free parking all day in seven of the council run car parks across the Borough, and I hope that residents use this opportunity to shop locally.”

Free Sunday parking starts on Sunday December 2 and runs up to and including Thursday December 29.

Car parks included are: Alexandra Street, Warrior Square, Seaway, Clarence Road, Tylers Avenue, York Road, London Road (behind Pizza Express), University Square, Essex Street and Short Street.

Free all day parking on Saturday December 1 to celebrate and support Small Business Saturday will be available at Ilfracombe Avenue, North Road, Hamlet Court Road, Elm Road (Leigh), North Street, Ceylon Road and Thorpe Bay Broadway car parks.