Free parking is big boost to traders

Free parking is to be introduced at car parks in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley in the run-up to Christmas to help shops cope with the credit crunch.

Wyre Forest District Council is introducing the free parking scheme in its car parks after 4pm, from Monday until December 31.

Signs announcing the decision to help boost spending in shops in the town have started to go up around the three towns.

The decision is designed to help local businesses and traders, including many which are staying open later for Christmas shoppers.

Members of the Town Centre Partnership have welcomed the move.

The parking scheme will be introduced at all council-owned pay-and-display car parks with the exception of Blackwell Street multi-storey car park and those at Weavers Wharf which are not owned by the authority.

Today council leader John Campion called for people to "keep it local" and support the district's economy in the pre-Christmas period.

Councillor Campion said: "As things get tighter with the economy, and we are all tightening our belts, it is important we try to help our local traders and businesses.

"They employ local people and buy in local services and we must support them in every way we can."