TOWN centre car parks could be expanded “upwards and outwards” to boost shopper numbers for struggling shops and businesses.

Car parks in and around the Eastgate Centre or at Great Oaks could all increase capacity, alongside car parks at train stations.

As part of a new parking strategy, Basildon Council is investigating how footfall can be boosted in the town centre, as well as stopping commuters using residential streets to park all day while they work in London.

One measure that could be introduced is a cashback scheme for drivers.

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If a shopper pays for parking in the town centre, the fee could be claimed back if money is spent in a store nearby. Free parking has been ruled out.

Craig Rimmer, councillor in charge of the leisure and environment committee, explained how the council is working with businesses to see whether they would to sign up to the potential scheme.

He said: “We’re looking at ways we can expand the car parks, if it’s possible. They will include more electric charging points.

“We’re also looking at whether we can help residents out who are having commuters park outside their homes on the kerbs and grass verges.

“It’s all about taking some of the verges away, to allow for homes to have a drive put in. There’s streets across the borough where one side of the road has drives, but the other doesn’t. It just allows the commuters to park there all day.”

The council could also introduce parking restrictions or permits for residents, to deal with the commuter issue. Officers and consultants are identifying hotspots.

Basildon town centre has long struggled to retain retailers, with major departures including Debenhams, Topman and Topshop, H&M, and Marks and Spencer.

Mr Rimmer, added: “We’ve got to try and keep people in the town centre for longer. A lot of people need to drive into the town centre.

“We’ve had to reject a lot of developments recently because they haven’t provided enough car parking. We need to look at which car parks can be increased upwards, or outwards.”