FREE parking for shoppers in Clitheroe and Longridge is to end from Thursday, 1 October.

Ribble Valley Borough Council introduced two hours free parking at its short-stay town centre car parks in July to boost high street shopping.

And shoppers and traders have contacted the council to say they appreciated the move.

Now, in line with the rest of the UK and as the ‘new normal’ starts to take shape, the free parking is to end.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “We know the free parking has been appreciated by shoppers and residents, because they have told us.

“Even though the scheme cost us around £40,000 in lost fee income, we consider it a worthwhile investment to encourage visitors back to Clitheroe and Longridge following lockdown to enjoy some of the best independent shops in Lancashire.”

Information on Ribble Valley Borough Council’s short-stay car parks in Clitheroe and Longridge, including locations and charges, is available at ribblevalley.gov.uk.