Car parks owned by the district council will be free to use on today (Saturday) and during the week leading up to Christmas, December 20-26.

This initiative has been put forward by Small Business Saturday, an idea designed to raise the profile of small companies and organisations across the country.

KCC has also agreed to abolish charges in pay and display areas across the district on those specific dates.

Parking charges will still apply at car parks not owned by DDC, including the Sainsbury’s and Co-op car parks in Deal.All other parking conditions will continue to apply.

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC cabinet member for access and property management, said: “Once again we are pleased to join in Small Business Saturday to help our local traders to promote themselves and think of ways to encourage town centre shopping.

“This is an ideal launch pad for our free parking week from the Saturday before Christmas through to Boxing Day, when we trust that people working in our town centres will park where they usually do to allow potential customers to take advantage of these free parking offers.”