Shoppers are being urged to take advantage of a free Saturday parking offer in the run-up to Christmas.
Parking in all Hartlepool Borough Council-managed car parks and on-street pay and display bays in Hartlepool town centre and at Seaton Carew will be free on Saturdays 6th, 13th and 20th December.
The aim of the offer is to boost trade for local businesses and ease the burden on financially-squeezed shoppers.
Councillor Owen Riddle, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “We aim to support businesses by encouraging more people to do their shopping locally, here in the Borough of Hartlepool.
“Every penny that is spent here supports the local economy and helps to safeguard jobs.
“We also acknowledge that many people are struggling to make ends meet and hopefully this offer goes some way to easing the pressure on their finances.”