PEOPLE doing their Christmas shopping will be able to park for free across the district over the next three Saturdays.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is waiving charges at its car parks to help support businesses hard hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

The all-day offer applies to SWT car parks in Dulverton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Watchet, Wellington and Williton to support traders, residents and visitors.

But you'll only be able to park without paying in Taunton after 3pm on those Saturdays - December 5, 12 and 19.

Kilkenny Car Park is not included in the offer as it is intended for use by commuters.

Pensioner John Wilson, who lives in north Taunton, has mixed feelings about the initiative.

He said: "It's good that they're doing something to help businesses and the public after everything we're going through.

"But why make people pay for most of the day in Taunton?

"Taunton is where most people come to do their shopping, but this could see them go to Wellington or West Somerset instead, hurting traders in our town.

"Offering free parking after 3pm is a token gesture. Who's going to start shopping that late on a Saturday? Why treat Taunton differently?"

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive member for planning and transport, said: “We are keen to give residents and visitors an added incentive to shop locally in our towns and villages over the festive season.

“We have measures in place to encourage social distancing and enable people to shop safely so I hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity to park for free and provide a much needed boost to the retail economy after what has been a very challenging year.

The railway station car park in Minehead is not included as it belongs to Somerset County Council.