FREE car parking to encourage seasonal shoppers to visit Hereford and Ross-on-Wye has been denounced by Ledbury traders, who say they have been left off Hereford-shire Council's Christmas list.

Ledbury is to get no free car parking on its two main car parks of St Katherine's and Bye Street, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Announcing an extended deal for Hereford and Ross, a council statement said: "Christmas shoppers are being urged to spend, spend, spend, with the added incentive of free car parking, thanks to Herefordshire Council."

But Len Huff, chairman of the Ledbury Independent Traders Association, said: "It's outrageous. This will be prejudicial to businesses in Ledbury."

Teresa Potter, of Utopia Hair Studios, said: "It's not fair and its discrimination. Our car parks are overflowing, so Herefordshire Council gets enough money from us anyway."

Jinny Harris, of Treacle Boutique, said: "If people have to pay it might not make that much difference. But it's the principle of the thing."

Margaret Eager, of Eager Electrical, said: "It's absolutely disgusting. There should be no favourites with any of the towns."

Until December 18, charges from 4pm have been waived on all Hereford car parks and a park and ride scheme with free parking, runs from tomorrow (Saturday).

In Ross, there will be free parking after midday on all car parks, except The Maltings, from December 16, up to Christmas Eve.

Stephen Oates, Herefordshire's head of engineering and transportation, said Ledbury had free car parking on Bridge Street and by the swimming pool. But, he said: "If there is public concern in Ledbury, I'd be willing to look at the issue again next year."

The decision has also been attacked in Bromyard, which has one free car park at the Tanyard site. Town clerk Mike Cresswell said: "Yet again, Bromyard and Ledbury appear to have been left out. It's unbelievable. Trade isn't at its best in Bromyard and we need all the help we can get."

Chamber of commerce chairman Jonathan Lester said: "It's beneficial to the people of Hereford and Ross. It would be nice is the same had been offered Ledbury and Bromyard."