There's good news for Christmas shoppers in Bridport and West Bay; council-run car parks will be free on market days throughout December.

Bridport Town Council made the request to Dorset Council in a bid to boost the local economy.

The town council is hoping that free parking on Wednesdays and Saturdays in December will give a much-welcome boost to the area over the festive period. Charges will be waived in short and long stay car parks in Bridport and West Bay – East Beach, East Street, Football Club, Hope Terrace, Plottingham, Quayside, Rope Walks, South Street, The Mound, West Bay Road, West Street and Wykes Court.

Bridport town clerk Will Austin said: “We’re grateful to Dorset Council for agreeing to this. In the past we’ve tried two hours’ free parking but the feedback was that full days give people a much greater incentive to stay and shop.

"We hope that making it free all day on market days will give Christmas shoppers the time to take advantage of everything the town has to offer, including the unrivalled atmosphere of Bridport market.”