A NEW parking scheme has been hailed as a way of encouraging residents to shop locally.

Almost 70,000 homes across Tendring have received a free parking permit as part of a new initiative.

Every council tax-paying household can park for free in all Tendring Council-run car parks, except for the Naze and Holland Haven, between 10am and midnight.

David Salmon, who lives in Brightlingsea, said it was a “wonderful” initiative.

He said: “As one who frequently visits and shops in various places within Tendring I can only say that it will be a greater incentive to stay within the Tendring area.”

Jane Meech of Great Clacton, added: “It’s a great idea and one which I will use to shop in town more. I can’t recall feeling more chuffed about anything the council has done.”

The council has set aside £250,000 to pay for the trial scheme, which will run until the end of March.

Peter Halliday, councillor responsible for finance, said: “The whole aim of this is to encourage our residents to stay local and spend their money in Tendring.

“Our seafronts, towns and villages are as much for them to enjoy as our visitors.

“Local traders have told us that parking is a major issue in attracting customers and we have come up with a way of addressing that.”