SHOPPERS will be able to park for free in Knutsford, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge on four days over the next 12 months.

Cheshire East Council is to offer communities four free parking days to support the borough’s towns and have the flexibility to support special events and busy periods, such as festivals and the run-up to Christmas.

The car parks eligible for the initiative include Princess Street, Silk Mill Street and King Street in Knutsford, South Drive, Hoopers, Spring Street and the Rex car park in Wilmslow and South Street in Alderley Edge.

To maximise the number of free spaces for shoppers and visitors the free parking will start after 10am.

Cllr Laura Crane said: “This is good news for our towns and residents, as well as local shops and businesses.

“The council faces severe financial pressures, with increased demand for key services and big reductions in income due to Covid-19.

“However, we wanted to reintroduce this scheme, which was first offered in 2016, to help give our towns and high streets an extra boost and as a thank you to our residents for their support and patience during the challenges of the pandemic and lockdown.”

There will be four free days allowed per town or parish council area in places where charges apply.

Cllr Crane added: “The primary aim of this incentive is to support our towns and provide a flexible incentive which can be used in the run-up to Christmas or spread throughout the year to aid key town events.

“This is in addition to the free parking after 3pm at certain designated car parks within the borough.

“The offer of free parking will be considered on those car parks predominantly used by shoppers and the parking services team would welcome advanced liaison from the relevant councils and notice of the chosen days. This is to ensure there are no other programmed events taking place.

“The days chosen by the participating councils will follow consultation with their elected members, event organisers, local shops and businesses and charity event organisers.

"In return, the council requests feedback on these initiatives to ascertain their effectiveness for both shoppers and businesses.”