Free parking day to help late holiday shoppers

Councillor Matt Bell said the move would help "increase footfall during a critical time for retailers”

A council has announced that the final date for free parking in Weymouth will be 23 December in a bid to help residents doing last-minute Christmas shopping.

Weymouth Town Council’s environment and services committee reached the decision at its meeting on 30 October.

The council said it selected the free parking dates together with Dorset Council to help support businesses and events in Weymouth.

Committee chair Matt Bell said it was "an ideal day" for free parking, adding that it would "increase footfall during a critical time for retailers”.

Other agreed dates include:

• 10 November for Remembrance Sunday where Swannery, Park Street and Melcombe Regis car parks will offer free parking;

• 30 November for the Christmas lights switch-on;

• and on 7 December, which is given for Small Business Saturday, all town centre car parks operated by Dorset Council will be free to use