FOR the second Christmas running, Thurrock Council is offering free car parking on all Saturdays in December.
And Cllr Angie Gaywood, cabinet member for public protection, including parking enforcement, told Wednesday (14 November) evening’s meeting of the council’s cabinet she planned for it to become an annual event.
She told the meeting that with Grays Shopping Centre’s multi-storey already free every weekend shoppers and businesses should benefit in the festive run up.
Cllr Gaywood added that the council had asked the Morrison’s store to follow suit and they had yet to reply.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “It’s important the council is seen to support local businesses in this way. It proved a popular move last year and we’ll be doing it again in 2012 and from now on.
“All council-run car parks and on-street car parking bays where there is charging will be free on Saturdays in December as well as Sundays, where they are free the year round.
“Businesses, like everyone else, are feeling the pinch and facing difficult times and anything the council can do to help has to be positive. By making parking free we are helping shoppers and businesses.”
The move is estimated to cost the council between £5,000 and £7,000.
