IN AN early present for shoppers, Bexley Council is to waive the pay-and-display charges in its town centre car parks on the two Saturdays before Christmas.

On Saturday and on December 20, people will be able to park free in the car parks at Mill Road, Northumberland Heath; Nuxley Road, Belvedere Village; Nags Head Lane, Welling; Grassington Road and Main Road, both in Sidcup; Bexley High Street; Thanet Road, Bexley; Albion Road, cinema, civic offices, Oaklands, and the bowling centre, all in Bexleyheath.

Councillor Peter Craske, cabinet member for transport said: “This is intended to help our businesses and local economy at a difficult time.

“Bexley’s town centres have a lot to offer and I hope this will encourage people to do their Christmas shopping here.”