THERE will be free parking at car parks across Colchester this Christmas.

Shoppers will be able to park their cars in a series of town centre car parks.

Parking charges will be waived in all council-owned town centre car parks from 3pm on the three Wednesdays in December.

The dates are December 4, 11 and 18. On those dates many of the town's shops will be open until 9pm.

Car park payment machines will be covered and marked out of use, to make it easy for drivers to take advantage of the offer.

The car parks are as follows:

  • St Mary's
  • St John's
  • Britannia
  • Vineyard Street
  • Middleborough
  • Sheepen Road

There will also be free parking for the Colchester Christmas Market on Sunday December 8.

This will be available all day in Butt Road, Middleborough, Napier Road and Sheepen Road car parks in Colchester.

Motorists will also be able to take advantage of the Sunday parking offer in Britannia Car Park that day and park all day for £1.

Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: "We’re really pleased to be able to offer free parking for late night shopping again this year.

"We hope it will encourage people to spend more time in the town, enjoy the festive activities and support local businesses, making a Better Colchester.”

To find out more about parking in the town, including locations of car parks and year-round deals, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/parking.