SHOPPERS can take advantage of free parking in Southend in the lead up to Christmas.

Southend Council says all of its car parks in the borough will offer free parking after 4pm on Thursdays as part of a late-night shopping initiative.

The offer will also be in place on Sundays in the lead up to Christmas.

The offer will start on Thursday, December 2 and runs up to and including Thursday, December 23.

Bosses say free parking will be on offer at all council-owned car parks following the success of a similar scheme last year.

The offer applies to‘off-street’ car parks only – meaning parking bays in roads will not be included.

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Southend Council’s transport boss Ron Woodley said: “The Christmas period is important for local traders and that is why we are keen to once again offer our free festive parking on Thursday evenings and Sundays.

“This offer has proven very popular in recent years, and I am pleased to be able to offer this once again to all council owned car parks across the borough.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents and visitors to enjoy the borough safely whilst doing their festive shopping and activities.

“I hope this offer will attract both residents and visitors to the town for their Christmas shopping to help local retailers enjoy a bountiful Christmas after the challenging few years we have faced.”