There will be free car parking in the run-up to Christmas as Waverley has announced a free afternoon of parking in all of its car parks.

Car parks across Cranleigh, Farnham and Godalming will be free from 3pm on Thursday 1st December.

In Haslemere, parking will be free from 3pm on Thursday 15 December to coincide with the town centre’s Christmas activities.

Councillor Liz Townsend Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said:

Make the most of free parking in your community by hitting the high street and getting on top of your Christmas shopping. Christmas is a really important time for local retailers who are facing tough times, we hope that this ‘free after 3’ parking will boost the number of shoppers coming through their doors.

Free parking sits alongside other seasonal initiatives supported by Waverley Borough Council.

Councillor Townsend continues:

We are very lucky to have many independent shops offering a truly unique shopping experience and free parking is yet another reason to keep it local this Christmas. Haslemere’s free parking afternoon takes place on the same day as its Christmas activities where there will be late night shopping, carol singers and street entertainers.

In Farnham, the very popular snow window displays are back for this year which are well worth a visit, along with Cranleigh’s and Godalming’s high streets which will be lit up for the festive celebrations and warmly welcoming all visitors.

Local retailers are keen to offer shoppers something different and that personal touch that is very difficult to replicate online.

Shopping locally pumps money back into the local economy and provides jobs for local people. It also keeps our communities alive and can be a more environmentally sustainable option.

The Borough Council has worked with Chambers of Commerce, and the town and parish councils to find a date for the free parking sessions that work well for local retailers.

The free parking sessions only apply to car parks run by Waverley Borough Council.