DEFIANT traders are launching their own Christmas free parking scheme in Blackburn town centre.

This week it was revealed Blackburn with Darwen council would not be repeating last year’s festive free parking offer, claiming the costs were too high.

So shop owners, who said last year’s scheme had been a roaring success, have devised a scheme which will mean customers’ parking is refunded out of their profits.

Posters will be displayed in participating shops where anyone spending more than £20 will get up to two hours’ of parking fees refunded.

Chamber of Trader presid-ent David Cottam said: “We are doing what we believe the council should be doing anyway.”

Mr Cottam, who runs carpet specialist Counsell and Woan Ltd in Whalley New Road, added: "The traders have stepped in to help the people of Blackburn in light of the town hall not running the free parking offer.”

It is not yet known how many stores will take part, but at least the 20 members of the chamber are expected to participate.

Jeweller Phil Ainsworth, of the town centre partnership board committee, said: “It is disappointing the council is not offering free parking this year, but I understand the reasons.

"The idea by the chamber of trade looks int-eresting and I look forward to seeing more details.

“Anything that brings people into the town centre is a good thing.”

Council bosses had hoped to offer some free parking in the multi-storey car park being built next to Waves swimming pool, but construction has been delayed.