SHOPPERS in Southampton city centre are set for some seasonal cheer after civic chiefs confirmed some parking charges will be scrapped in the run-up to Christmas.

As exclusively revealed in the Daily Echo last month, parking in all council-owned on-street parking bays will be free after 3pm on Mondays to Wednesdays between November 24 and December 17.

City council chiefs have today confirmed the parking freebie, which could see motorists save up to £4 in fees.

Council leader Simon Letts said the move, agreed with business group Future Southampton, would benefit city centre businesses in the crucial period up to Christmas.

Cllr Letts said: “This Christmas parking initiative demonstrates how we are working with the business community on initiatives which I hope will also include some Christmas lights next year.

“The offer of free on-street parking will benefit local businesses and stimulate visitor numbers on weekdays which are typically less busy in the run up to Christmas.”

Simon Rhodes, chairman of Future Southampton, said: “Future Southampton really wanted to help support Southampton's businesses in the run up to Christmas.

“So we worked closely with Councillor Letts and the council to achieve some free parking for shoppers.

“Now that's been kindly offered by the council, we hope it's going to be an even better Christmas for all traders in the city centre.”

The council has also announced that the all-day parking charge at the Eastgate Street car park would be reduced from £8 to £5.