HARD-hit shops in Taunton have been given a one-off Christmas present from council bosses.

Parking in Taunton’s 19 town centre car parks will be free from 2pm for the rest of the afternoon on Saturday, December 6.

The move is Taunton Deane’s way of supporting the national Small Business Saturday campaign, aimed at helping retailers.

The council hopes the special offer will draw more people into the town as the Christmas shopping season gets into full swing and encourage people to stay longer. The offer only applies to December 6.

Cllr Mark Edwards, Executive Councillor responsible for parking, said: “Small Business Saturday is a great idea and we as a Council want to show our support.

“Hopefully the offer of free parking will allow people to enjoy our shops, cafes, restaurants and other attractions without having to worry about the parking fee in the afternoon.

“We do not impose parking fees on Sundays so, with the free parking on the Saturday afternoon of December 6 shoppers and visitors will be able to use our car parks free of charge for most of that busy weekend.”

The park and ride service operating at Taunton Gateway and Silk Mills, is offering a shoppers special on Saturdays leading up to Christmas with a discounted ticket of £1.50 for up to five people travelling together.