Hundreds of free car parking spaces will be opened up from Friday for visitors to Walsall Iluminations and to lure Christmas shoppers into the town.

Charges will be waived at the new multi-storey car park in George Street, creating 439 free spots for shoppers. 

The decision has been made to try and help boost trade as thousands will be flocking to the annual lights extravaganza.

Free parking will continue until January 1 to boost businesses up to Christmas and into the seasonal sales boom. The 924-space car park is owned by Norton and Proffitt Developments, a joint venture between Goold Estates and St Modwen, as part of the £50 million first phase of the St Matthew’s Quarter regeneration scheme. 

Free parking will be available for up to two hours each stay, then at a reduced rate of 50p an hour afterwards, with a maximum stay of four hours. Workers in long stay parking spaces will also benefit. If they buy an annual permit during the promotion they can use it from now to the end of 2008, gaining up to ten extra weeks’ extra for the same price. 

Dominic Goold, pictured, managing director of Goold Estates, said: “We are a Walsall company and we believe in supporting the town. I am sure that with the influx of shoppers in the run-up to Christmas and the many visitors the Walsall Illuminations attracts it will be a very popular offer.” 

Extra security staff will also be on duty in the car park.