Free parking for town's shoppers

Councillors want to encourage people into the town centre

Shoppers in Blackburn are being given free on street parking every Saturday afternoon in the run up to Christmas.

The scheme is being run by Blackburn with Darwen Council in an effort to support traders and encourage shoppers into the town centre.

As well as the street bays, shoppers can also use the College, Starkie Street, Jubilee House and Byrom Street car parks free of charge.

But the free parking is only available after 1500 GMT.

Darwen free

The initiative will begin after the switch on of the Christmas lights on Saturday and run until 4 January.

Parking is free in neighbouring Darwen all year round.

Councillor Alan Cottam, regeneration spokesman, said: "We want as many people as possible to come to Blackburn and Darwen to do their Christmas shopping.

"There are a number of free car parks which people may not be aware of and we want to support businesses in both towns."