FREE parking will be available to Christmas shoppers on Saturdays during the festive season at several council-run car parks.

Arun District Council has announced free parking will be offered at off-street car parks on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

Lyon Street and Hothamton car parks in Bognor and Littlehampton’s St Martins and Manor House car parks will be free on December 4.

Fitzleet car park in Bognor and Manor House in Littlehampton will be free on November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18.

Rustington also offers three hours of free car parking in both of its main car parks all year round.

The Argus: Littlehampton’s St Martins car park Littlehampton’s St Martins car park

The annual incentive supports the council’s Return to Retail campaign to encourage people to support local shops and businesses on the high street.

Arun District Council economic committee chairman councillor Andy Cooper said: “Before looking online for Christmas gifts, we would urge residents to make use of the free parking and come and see what’s on offer locally from our many fantastic independent shops.

“Not only are you more likely to find a unique gift, you’ll also be supporting our business community who are having to work extremely hard to bounce back from the effects of lockdown. We look forward to seeing you.”

Environment and neighbourhood services committee chairman councillor David Edwards added: “We are pleased to again be offering the incentive of free Saturday parking in our council-run car parks in the run-up to Christmas this year.

“With high street spend declining up and down the country, we want to do all we can to support our local retailers at this crucial time of year.”

The council also said with cases of Covid-19 still rising, shoppers are asked to continue to follow government advice on shopping safely, which includes wearing a face covering in shops, maintaining social distancing and regularly washing and sanitising hands.

The free parking does not include any privately run car parks.

Disabled bays will also remain strictly for the use of blue badge holders only.