SHOPKEEPERS across the Vale have welcomed a decision to make short-term car parking free by Christmas.

The much-heralded Conservative election pledge has been praised for helping rejuvenate businesses in Wantage and Abingdon.

However, opponents claimed it was a gimmick, which would create more traffic in the town.

The Tories, who recently took control of Vale of White Horse District Council, vowed to make the change before the election.

Last night Town Hall leaders promised it will not put up council tax bills to help stomach the loss of income.

Leader of the council Matthew Barber said officers were now working to see how it could happen.

He said: “We have broad brushed the idea and they are finalising it for us.”

Funding for the service will come from grants and savings, although the ruling Tory group have not detailed how the cash will be raised.

Mr Barber said: “Council tax will not go up in order to pay for it. The only loss we will have is losses of income.

“Businesses in the Vale have to compete with neighbouring districts. It is not just about attracting shoppers. We need to attract businesses and retailers.”

Free short-term parking could mean two or three hours. The council said there were no plans to change warden patrols.

At the moment, the council earns £738,670 every year from car parking. It said it would take the hit by making efficiency savings and from ‘Government grants’.

Paul Townsend, president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news.

He said: “We are competing with Didcot which has two hours free parking. We have a nice range of independent traders. We are not a clone town like Didcot.

“But some people are not giving us a chance because (a) the traffic and (b) the cost of parking.”

Peter Wiblin, owner of West End Newsagents, in Abbey Shopping Centre, added: “It is a step in the right direction. It is something that has been long hard fought for by traders.”

Linda Hatter, vice chairman of Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is a great idea, especially in a place like Wantage.

“The cost to park is not very much but people resent paying it.

“If people have a choice between paying 50p and going somewhere for free they will always choose the free option.”

Meanwhile, Butcher Vincent Montgomery, of Wallingford Street, Wantage, said: “It will do the town good and it can only encourage people into the town which is just what this town needs.”

But leader of the Lib Dem opposition Richard Webber said the offer was a gimmick and would create more traffic in Abingdon.

He said: “It is an election bribe and I despise it. There is no such thing as free car parking. Someone has to pay. Councils offering free parking are effectively charging the cost to all. Is it fair that non-car users should subsidise car users?”