SHOPPERS are in for an early Christmas boost with the introduction of a festive free parking scheme almost two months ahead of schedule.

From tomorrow (Monday) and until the New Year people will no longer have to pay for parking after 1pm, each day, at any of Redcar and Cleveland Borough council's managed car parks.

The offer is restricted to council-run pay and display locations which includes on-street pay and display bays and off-street pay and display car parks.

Steven Goldswain, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, announced the initiative during today’s meeting of full council at Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart.

The move comes as the council undertakes a public consultation exercise on the findings of a borough-wide parking review, the final stage before drawing up recommendations.

Speaking ahead of the announcement Councillor Goldswain said: “We recognise that traders are facing tough economic times and some of them cannot wait any longer.

“By offering free parking we hope we can tempt people back to our high streets which offer a unique mix of big names, independent retailers and an enjoyable atmosphere.

“We also want to encourage people to support the borough’s retailers who make such a significant contribution to our economy.

“High streets are facing unprecedented competition from online stores and increasingly efficient home delivery services and free parking is one of the ways to help them.”

Pat Denney, chairman of Redcar Business Association, said she hoped the initiative would provide a much needed shot-in-the-arm for businesses in Redcar & Cleveland.

She said: “We are pressing the council for support and will continue to do so but we certainly welcome this early Christmas offer.

“Thousands of residents and visitors have signed our petition calling for a better deal on parking and its good to see that the council is listening.”

Stickers are being placed on pay and display machines to inform and remind motorists of the changes.

However, people are reminded that standard parking restrictions and charges apply from 8am until 1pm and they should check the pay and display notices at each site.