A FREE parking scheme for residents in Tendring will be extended for another year.

Every council taxpayer in the district is given a free pass to use council-owned car parks after 11am.

It costs Tendring Council £300,000 a year in lost revenue and costs, but it is happy to fork out to encourage residents to shop locally.

Nick Turner, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “We want Tendring to be seen and regarded as a car friendly district and we want to encourage our residents to spend their hard earned money locally.

“It also gives them the opportunity to visit other parts of the district or visit shops without having to pay for parking.”

The parking permits can be used in all of Tendring Council’s car parks, except the Naze, at Walton, and Holland Haven.

The council also operates free parking to anyone at its car parks between 3pm and 8am.

Paul Honeywood, interim leader of the council, said the schemes have helped to increase footfall in town centres.

He said: “We have had calls from lots of other districts and businesses who have asked how we can do it and they want to see something similar in their areas.

“It has come about through our willingness to listen to our shops and businesses to find out what would help them through difficult financial times and then through careful budgeting on our part.”

A further report will go before the council’s cabinet next year.