Powys County Council are offering free parking on council car parks on two Saturdays in the run up to Christmas, it has announced.

The festive initiative, which follows previous successful free parking schemes, will provide free parking on the authority's Pay and Display car parks on Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 December between 10am-6pm.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I’m delighted to confirm that the council’s free car parking initiative will run for the two key shopping days in the run-up to Christmas.

“We know that the scheme will be welcomed by shoppers and businesses alike and will provide a timely boost to the county’s economy in the run-up to the busiest shopping period of the year.

“The county’s economy is vital to everyone and the festive period can make a real difference to countless businesses, so any help to increase spend has to be worthwhile.”

The council says the initiative only applies to off-street car parks and does not alter existing on-street parking restrictions. Free parking in short stay car parks is only applicable for a maximum of two hours.