Free Christmas car parking in Hinckley - Thanks to the Lib Dems.

CHRISTMAS shopping in Hinckley is being given a big boost - thanks to the introduction of a free car parking scheme in the town during the festive season.

On the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas the Lib Dem controlled Borough Council will be allowing free parking at three town centre car parks in a bid to entice more shoppers into Hinckley and increase trade for shopkeepers.

The three long stay car parks taking part in the scheme are Brunel Road South, Mount Road and Trinity Road West. These car parks are within an easy walking distance of the shops and it is usually easy to locate a vacant space at busy times.

The free parking on these car parks will start on Saturday 28 November and continue on 5 December, 12 December and 19 December.

In addition, free parking will also be available on all of Hinckley town centre car parks, both short and long stay, on 27 and 28 December and Friday 1 January 2010 to boost the New Year sales.

Acting Leader of the Borough Council, Cllr Stuart Bray (Lib Dem, Hinckley Castle) announced the move at Tuesday's Full Council meeting.

He said, "We recognise that life is more difficult for both shoppers or traders in the current economic climate, so this scheme has been designed to attract additional trade into the town at an important time of the year.

"With a thriving market that continues to buck the national trend as well as a range of national and independent shops, Hinckley does have a lot to offer the Christmas shopper. I urge people to support our local shops, not just in the run up to Christmas but right throughout the year."