A COUNCILLOR for Wokingham announced that parking in certain areas in the borough, including Woodley, are going to be made free in the run up to Christmas.

The decision to make these parking areas free was announced on November 25, detailing that council-run car parks will be free to park in on December 5, 12 and 19.

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Cllr Keith Baker, Deputy Mayor for the Wokingham Borough Council said: "The move has proved popular in recent years with traders and shoppers as the council works to support local town centres and encourage residents to shop locally during the festive season.

"It’s especially important for communities across the borough to support their local high streets this year, with many independent businesses dealing with disruption due to Covid-19."

The car parks included are:

- Polehampton Close, Twyford

- School Lane, Wargrave

- Shute End, Wokingham

- Denmark Street, Wokingham

- Easthampstead Road (East and West), Wokingham

- Cockpit Path, Wokingham

- Headley Road, Woodley

- Crockhamwell Road, Woodley

- Lytham Road (East and West), Woodley

- Former M&S car park/Rose Street car park, Wokingham

- Carnival Pool Multi Storey car park, Wokingham

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Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer free Saturday parking again this year in the run up to Christmas, with it being especially important to support local shops and traders this year.

"We know our residents want to support businesses in the borough in the run up to Christmas and make the most of the fantastic shops we have to offer, providing parking on these days free of charge helps them to do this."