TORRIDGE District Council is reminding residents that free parking is available at Manor car park in Holsworthy on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays.

The car park is part of a scheme that started in March to help bring people back into the area's towns to do their weekend shopping.

Torridge's lead member for the economy, Cllr Roger Johnson, said: "Although the council is obviously seeing reduced revenue because of this, we want to support our local businesses during this current economic climate and to see them thrive in the future.

"We hope that parking concessions such as this will encourage locals and visitors into our towns at the weekends. Christmas will soon be here and it's a chance to get to know your town — have a browse around the local shops, stay for a coffee, have lunch or take the kids to the park — there's plenty to do.

Parking services project lead Cllr Geoff Lee added: "We know car parking can be an emotive subject, but the car park working group at Torridge works very hard to come up with ideas that we believe are best for everyone.

"For next year there will be no increase in parking charges in Torridge car parks, so I hope that too will continue to encourage residents and visitors into our local town centres. And in December during the run up to Christmas there will be extra free parking days in Torrington, Bideford, Holsworthy and Northam car parks as well. See our website for details nearer the time."

Free weekend parking begins at 12 noon on Saturdays and all day Sundays. There are no restrictions at Manor car park.

For more information on parking in Torridge, please have a look at http://www.torridge.gov.uk/parking">www.torridge.gov.uk/parking, or call 01237 428895.