The consortium behind the Spirit of Sittingbourne regeneration project will cover parking charges in the town next weekend.

On Saturday, December 8, all parking will be free at Swale council car parks in Albany Road, Central Avenue, Cockleshell Walk and Crown Quay Lane.

Charges will also be lifted at The Forum, Swallows, Milton High Street, Spring Street, Bell Road and Grafton Road.

A Spirit of Sittingbourne spokesman said a total of 728 spaces will be free to use on the day.

They added: “We are delighted to be offering free car parking in Sittingbourne town centre on Saturday 8 December.

“Local businesses have understandably felt the impact over a disruptive summer of roadworks, and we want to make sure they get some extra help over the crucial festive trading period.

“We encourage shoppers to take advantage of the free parking and support local businesses by visiting Sittingbourne town centre as part of their Christmas shopping this December.”

The decision to cover the costs followed feedback from businesses who were concerned after Swale council announced it will not be providing free car parking this December.

The £57 million scheme will include an eight-screen cinema, restaurants such as Nandos and Pizza Express and a Travelodge hotel.

Dover Street reopened earlier this month marking the town's new A2 road layout which includes a redesigned roundabout and traffic lights outside the station.