Council offers free car parking scheme for Christmas

Shoppers will be able to park for free for up to two hours at two council-owned car parks in Loughborough town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Charnwood Borough Council announced the scheme will apply at the Granby Street and Beehive Lane car parks from 2 November to 3 January 2027.

The authority said that the scheme was to encourage more people to visit the town centre during the festive period and support retailers, the hospitality sector, market traders and other businesses.

According to the council, any stay longer than two hours would incur the full parking charge for the entire visit, including the initial two-hour period.

The Labour-run authority said the parking offer would be available seven days a week, 24 hours a day throughout the promotional period.

Liz Blackshaw, lead member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "We know the weeks leading up to Christmas are incredibly important for Loughborough town centre businesses and we hope this offer will encourage more people to visit.

"We are committed to supporting local businesses and helping our local economy thrive.

"This initiative is another way we are showing that commitment by making it easier for people to visit the town centre and enjoy everything it has to offer."

Council leader Jewel Miah said the authority's "prudent management" of the council's finances had allowed the authority to "bring forward" the offer.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.