Retailers and shoppers across the north have been given a boost in the run up to Christmas with the return of free car parking in four of the region’s six counties.

For several years some local authorities have decided to waive parking charges either for whole or part of the day in a bid to encourage more people to support their local high streets.

While such promotions result in a loss of income for local authorities, the trade-off is the hope that shoppers and businesses will benefit from the initiative as well as boosting the local economy following a difficult two years for many traders.

Here’s what the six local authorities in the north have planned for the festive period.

WREXHAM

Council owned car parks across the county will remain free of charge after 11am in a bid to help out local businesses, with the offer having already been in operation for several months.

“We’ll continue to do this throughout the run-up to Christmas and into next year, as it’s important we keep supporting the local economy as the UK continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic,” said a spokesperson for Wrexham Council.

“So please take advantage of the parking offer, shop in Wrexham and support local businesses this Christmas.”

FLINTSHIRE

Flintshire Council confirmed there was no county-wide scheme, but was a matter for individual town councils.

CONWY

No free parking offered.

DENBIGHSHIRE

Since November 21 and until December 31, all Denbighshire Council operated town centre car parks are free of charge after 3pm.

In operation at council car parks in Corwen, Denbigh, Llangollen, Prestatyn, Rhuddlan, Rhyl,  Ruthin and St Asaph, the portfolio holder for transport has urged residents to support their local town centres.

“Communities need our support this year more than ever, so we hope that people and businesses take full advantage of the benefits of this scheme by using the county’s town centre car parks free of charge,” said Cllr Brian Jones.

“The free after three scheme supports the council’s on-going #LoveLiveLocal campaign which highlights the importance of shopping local.

“We hope that this scheme encourages more people to visit our town centres and see what they have to offer.

“Denbighshire businesses offer a wide variety of products and services which appeal to all. Together lets #LoveLiveLocal and support our communities.”

GWYNEDD

Shoppers visiting Bangor, Caernarfon and Gwynedd’s other towns will again be offered free parking during the run-up to Christmas.

The scheme will run from December 11-28 in all council-run car parks other than Caernarfon’s Ffordd y Felin and Galeri car parks.

Cllr Gareth Griffith, the cabinet member for environment, said: “The Covid period has been very difficult for the business community, and the council hopes that this campaign in the run-up to Christmas will give Gwynedd companies a welcome boost.

“By shopping locally, rather than traveling for miles and getting stuck in traffic jams, you are not only helping local traders but you’re also helping the environment.

“Of course, the shopping experience remains a little different and we urge everyone to keep a social distance and to wear a mask in any shop or indoor public place to keep our communities safe.”

ISLE OF ANGLESEY

Following a tradition dating back several years, Ynys Môn council car parks will once again offer free parking after 10am every day.

The scheme will be in operation from Monday, December 13 and end on Wednesday, December 29.

“It has been an extremely tough couple of years for our local business and we know the Christmas trading period is so important for the local economy here on Anglesey,” said the council’s economic development portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones.

“Our small businesses have quality products and fabulous service, I would urge everyone to do what they can and get as much of their Christmas shopping as possible from our local businesses here on the island.”