SHOPPERS can take advantage of free parking in Chepstow and Monmouth over three Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

Monmouthshire County Council has agreed with town councils and chambers of trade to provide free parking in the towns on December 3, 10 and 17.

Councillor Phil Hobson, Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for community development, said: “Free parking over three Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas has been such a success over the past six years that it’s right to repeat it.  It costs the council around £19,000 in lost revenue each year but, of course, our towns benefit enormously from increased custom in shops and restaurants. And it reminds people what a brilliant range of outlets we have in our towns.”