THURROCK Council has announced it will once again allow free parking on council-owned car parks in the borough on Saturdays in December in a bid to help local shops and businesses.

However, the impact of the festive offer is somewhat undermined by the fact that the council is highlighting Christmas free parking at a number of car parks which are already free all year round.

The Christmas scheme, which has been in place for the past four years, starts on Saturday, 4 December, coinciding with Small Business Saturday this year.

The council has issued a statement saying it includes all 'Thurrock Council-owned car parks and its pay and display on-street parking in Grays (including Socketts Heath), Corringham, Chadwell St Mary and South Ockendon'.

However, the council's claims about the depth of the gift to residents and businesses is somewhat overegged as there permanent free parking in its car parks in Chadwell St Mary, Corringham and Socketts Heath!

The council's on street parking is listed here, where the following comment: 'On-street pay-and-display car parking is currently only available in Grays.' And its car parking web page lists the six car parks in Grays and one in South Ockendon where charges are levied. Those in Corringham and Chadwell, and at Sockets Heath are free.

Cabinet member of highways and transport, Cllr Ben Maney, said: "I'm delighted that we are able to offer free parking in our car parks for the festive season as December gets underway.

"There is a huge range of major chains, high street shops and family-run and independent businesses that our borough has to offer.

"Free car parking will help us to support these businesses, boost the local economy and make it easier for our residents and visitors to shop locally and go about their Christmas shopping, whatever their budget.

"Please continue to do what you can to protect yourself, friends, family and community by shopping safely – under new temporary government guidelines you must wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. You can also take further precautions if you want to, and please respect others' decisions if they do."

Information about parking in Thurrock can be accessed via this link.