SHOPPERS will get enjoy parking in Cherwell next month, as people are encouraged to support Small Business Saturday.

All Cherwell District Council-run car parks in Bicester and Banbury will be free on December, 3, to give people heading in for their Christmas shopping the chance to stay as long as they would like.

Cherwell District Council deputy leader George Reynolds said: "We know there is demand for free parking all year round but as this is not currently viable we are looking at other ways we can show our support for the town centres.

"Small Business Saturday is all about giving independent traders the platform to show off what they have to offer and encouraging shoppers to explore their unique range of goods.

"In the run up to Christmas it’s the perfect opportunity to browse for the perfect present and we are hoping the free parking initiative will entice even more people into the town to support their local businesses."

The scheme is also being carried over into January where shoppers will be given free parking after 3pm for the month.

Mr Reynolds added: "We hope it will tempt people in to make the most of the sales and maintain high levels of footfall in the town."

Car parks that are included in the initiative will be clearly sign posted, for more information see cherwell.gov.uk/carparks