COUNCIL chiefs have been branded Scrooges after they threw out a plea for free Christmas parking.

Brighton's London Road Traders' Association wanted free afternoon parking for 24 days in the run-up to Christmas.

They hoped the move would boost trade and attract shoppers to the London Road car park.

Tory opposition leader Geoffrey Theobald said: "The car park seems to be half empty most of the time and the traders need support.

"I believe it is better for the car park to be full during the afternoons rather than have people driving around the streets."

But environment chairman Neil Robinson said the council was unable to make such a large concession to the traders.

Instead traders have been offered two free days plus £500 towards the cost of advertising.

Former Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce chairman Frances Hix called the council chiefs Scrooges.

She added: "This is typical of a council which seems to think that the only way of getting to places is by foot, bike or bus.

"People cannot always carry all their heavy shopping. It's in everyone's interests to have more free parking days."

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