24 November 2012 Last updated at 04:23 ET

Bideford gets free parking in Christmas run-up

Four free days of parking will be available in a Devon town to help firms and shoppers in the run-up to Christmas.

Bideford Town Council will pay Torridge District Council, which owns the five car parks, £2,500 for the 352 spaces.

Free parking will be available on 1, 2, 8 and 15 December 2012.

In 2011, traders in the town said more needed to be done to help independent sellers compete with out-of-town retailers.

Mayor Simon Inch said: "We need to keep our town centres vibrant and busy and this is one way of doing so."

The Bridge Street, Pannier Market, the Quay and the Pill car parks will provide free parking on the four days.

The Manor will provide free parking on the same days, excluding 2 December.