THERE will be free parking in Rochford in the run up to Christmas Rochford Council has agreed to free parking in its car parks all day on the four Saturdays before Christmas.

On November 27 and December 4, 11, and 18 residents will be able to park free all day in the council’s car parks.

Keith Hudson, councillor responsible for planning and transportation, said the measure would help hard-pressed residents. He said: “Christmas is fast approaching once again, but at this Christmastide our country finds itself in the grip of an unprecedented but very necessary period of austerity.

“Through careful budgeting, first class management by the council’s officers and the frugal use of our various income streams, we are still able to support our residents and businesses, with what has now become our traditional free parking on the four Saturdays in the run up to Christmas.”