SIX Crewe car parks have been earmarked for four days of free parking.

Cheshire East Council says the initiative is to support towns when special events take place and during and busy periods, such as festivals and the run-up to Christmas.

The council has come under fire for reintroducing parking fees in Crewe and other towns in the borough after charges were suspended when lockdown was enforced.

But in an effort to boost business and support key events a number of town centre car parks have been chosen for the scheme under which four days of free parking will be scheduled over the next 12 months.

In Crewe they are at the Civic Centre, Gatefield Street, Holly Bank, Delamere Street, Lyceum Square and Wrexham Terrace.

Car parks in Nantwich (Snow Hill, the Civic Hall and Bowling Green), Macclesfield, and Congleton have also been chosen.

Cllr Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: "This is good news for our towns. The council faces severe financial pressures with increased demand for key services and big reductions in income due to Covid-19.

"But we wanted to reintroduce this scheme, which was first offered in 2016, to help give our towns and high streets an extra boost.

"The purpose is to support our towns and provide a flexible incentive which can be used in the run up to Christmas or spread throughout the year to aid key town events. This is in addition to the free parking after 3pm at certain designated car parks within the borough.

"The offer of free parking will be considered on those car parks predominantly used by shoppers and the parking services team welcomes advanced liaison from the relevant councils and notice of the chosen days. The days chosen by the participating councils will follow consultation with their elected members, event organisers, local shops and businesses and charity event organisers."

To maximise the number of free spaces for shoppers and visitors the free parking will start after 10am and those town councils taking part will be asked to advertise and promote the free days.