CHRISTMAS shoppers in Monmouthshire will enjoy free parking in three of the county’s towns in the run-up to the festive period.

The council has agreed to waive its car parking charges in its 16 paid-for car parks on three days prior to Christmas, following the initiative’s success last year.

The initiative ran for the first time in 2010 and was hailed a success by traders, despite costing the council £17,000 in lost income.

Monmouthshire council made the agreement with town councils and Chambers of Trade to give a welcome boost to the town’s shops.

Councillor Phil Hobson, cabinet member for community development, said: “Free parking over three Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas has been such a success over the past four years that it’s right to repeat it.

“It costs the council about £17,000 in lost revenue each year but, of course, our towns benefit enormously from increased custom in shops and restaurants. And it reminds people what a brilliant range of outlets we have in our towns.”

Shoppers can enjoy free parking in Abergavenny and Chepstow on November 29, December 6 and 13 and in Monmouth on December 6, 13 and 20.

The council-owned car parks are: Abergavenny Brewery Yard, Bus Station, Castle Street, Fairfield, Tiverton Place, Trinity Terrace and Tudor Street. In Monmouth, Chippenham, Cornwall House, Glendower Street, Monnow Street, Cattle Market. In Chepstow they are Castle Dell, Drill Hall, Nelson Street and Welsh Street.

Current fees are £1 for two hours, £1.50 for three hours, £2 for four hours or £4 for all day.