A COUNCIL leader has backed his call for festive purchasers to ‘shop local’ for Christmas with a free parking offer.

The concession will be available at four municipal car parks in Clitheroe and Longridge on three Saturdays in December.

Charges will be dropped from 9.30am on December 5, 12 and 19, at the Lowergate, Market and Railway View (council offices) car parks in Clitheroe and the Barclay Road car park in Longridge.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “We have been offering free festive parking at our main car parks for some years now and the initiative has proved very popular.

“A lot of hard work goes into making Christmas in Ribble Valley very special and this year is no exception.

“We have supported business where possible throughout the pandemic and are asking local people to support local traders during these extremely challenging times for the high street.

“So forget the hustle and bustle of retail parks or hours spent online and take advantage of free parking in Clitheroe and Longridge to see what our unique, independent and safe shops have to offer.”

The free parking is intended for shoppers only and not traders or town centre workers.

Other Ribble Valley Council car parks are not included.