Council car parks in Witham and Braintree will offer free parking over five weekends during the festive period
Free parking is coming to Braintree District Council's car parks during the festive period.
Charges will be waived on five weekends before Christmas, encouraging more people to visit the towns, attend seasonal events and support local businesses.
Cllr Kevin Bowers, Deputy Leader of Braintree District Council, said: "The lead-up to the festive season is an ideal opportunity to bring people together, support local businesses and celebrate our communities.
“Thriving town centres are exactly the kind of thing we want to achieve through the OUR Braintree District campaign, so we’re pleased to play our part.”
Parking will be free in Council car parks in Braintree on 14 and 15 November to coincide with the Braintree Christmas Street Market.
Following a one-week break, charges will again be suspended for the final four weekends before Christmas.
In Witham, parking will be free on the five weekends before Christmas, beginning on 21 and 22 November to coincide with the Witham Christmas Fayre.
Funding has already been allocated to Witham and Halstead town councils to help support celebrations taking place in those towns.
Plans are also in the works for a Braintree festive events programme, which will coincide with the Saturdays when free parking is being offered.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “We’re currently putting together a series of events that will bring the community together, while celebrating our heritage and creativity.
"We're working with residents, artists and a range of organisations, including public sector partners, charities, community groups and businesses to ensure that the events cover a wide range of what makes Braintree a great place to visit."
Details of Braintree’s festive events programme will be released in early November.