TRADERS have welcomed the boost of free parking in the build up to the festive season.

Business bosses believe the move will effectively boost business, bringing more people in to Southend and to the High Street.

Steve Brooks, 53, from Vape and Juice, High Street, Southend said: “I think it will our business and others traders in the high street very much.

“I think the parking charges and issues are what puts people off from coming to the town centre.

“People need to know about it and then they can enjoy the free parking.

“I think this will help us and other business have a good Christmas trade and it’s something that should have been done a long time ago. It’s something I feel very strongly about. I think it’ll be very popular with traders and shoppers.”

Joan Tiney, 69, chairman of Southend Seafront Traders Association and owner of Borough Hotel added: “I think anything that is free will help traders and the town centre. I think it will make people come to the town centre.

“This will have a positive impact on trade on the town and on the seafront.

“I would also help to reduce parking charges. The free parking on Sundays in December is a good thing but it would be good to have free parking on weekends throughout the year.

“I think Sunday would be especially good as it’s a family day and would really help trade.”

But not everyone is convinced.

Paul Thompson, former chairman of Southend Seafront Traders Association said: “Some free parking on a Sunday is welcomed, but it’s too little too late.

“Undoubtedly the lack of, and cost of, parking in Southend is killing the town centre - and the seafront.

“Given the decline in the high street, it’s embarrassing that this is all the council can come up with.”