Car parking will be free for three key shopping days in the run up to Christmas.

Powys County Council has announced that pay and display car parks will be free on three Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

The move will see the council provide free parking at its long-stay car parks  between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays, December 9, 16 and 23.

The initiative has been welcomed by the cross-party car parking review group, which met for the first time last week.

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Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys and Chair of the Cross-party car parking review group, said: "I'm sure that the initiative will be welcomed by shoppers and businesses across the county.

"It will provide a timely boost to the county's economy in the run-up to the busiest shopping period of the year.

"The county's economy is vital to everyone and the festive period can make a real difference to countless businesses, so any help to increase spend has to be worthwhile.”

The initiative will only apply to off-street car parks and does not alter existing on-street parking restrictions. Free parking in short stay car parks is only applicable for a maximum of two hours.

Councillor Charlton added: "I would like to thank the representatives on the review group for the work they will be doing over the coming months.

“The review group are planning to meet in November and December to discuss several themes, drawing evidence, strategies and ideas to give a fresh perspective whilst ensuring a balance between ambition and pragmatism.

"When finalised, car parking review report will be submitted and reviewed by the relevant scrutiny committee early in the New Year, prior to any decisions being made."

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