SHOPPERS in Crewe have been handed a free parking boost in the run-up to Christmas as part of a short-term council initiative.

The one-off three day sequence is aimed at stimulating trade in the town centre. The first was yesterday (Saturday, December 5), but it will also be free to park in five town car parks on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday December 19.

The free car parks are: Civic Centre, Gatefield Street, Holly Bank, Delamere Street and Wrexham Terrace.

Cheshire East Council allows town and parish councils to allocate four days a year for their car parks to be free, usually near Christmas, and the three Saturdays were chosen by Crewe Town Council.

The borough authority rejected a bid to secure more extensive free parking from December 3 until January next year after a motion from the minority group of Conservative councillors at last Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

A Crewe Town Council spokesperson said: "We've arranged with Cheshire East to have free parking for shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

"Parking will be free from 10am at the following car parks: Civic Centre, Gatefield Street, Holly Bank, Delamere Street and Wrexham Terrace."

The council says motorists should look for special signage placed on the ticket machines.