FREE parking is being offered across Worcestershire to help traders in the run up to Christmas.

Worcester City Council will be running a special offer in their car parks for shoppers over the Christmas period. Shoppers can park for free on Thursdays from 6pm.

On Sundays they can pay for three hours and get the rest of the day free. These offers run from Thursday December 3 to Christmas Eve.

In Malvern Hills and Wychavon, visitors are able to park for free to help bring footfall back to the high street. Parking is free after 3pm in Malvern between December 1 and December 24, while in Wychavon, it is free at all times until January 3 having started earlier this month.

READ MORE: Planning permission granted for 50,000 sq ft data centre at Worcester Six Business Park

Across Wychavon, parking restrictions including waiting times in on-street parking bays and double yellow lines still apply and will be enforced.

NHS and social care staff and official community volunteers can park for any length of time in on-street parking bays as long as they are on official duties and are showing a valid ID.

Valid ID includes a photocopy of an identify badge, with sensitive information removed, or a letter on an official letterhead.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We have been talking to traders and other stakeholders and decided to revise our free festive parking offer this year to provide additional support to traders during this challenging time, while balancing the financial pressure we are under as a result of the pandemic.

"Providing free parking after 3pm in the pre-Christmas December period is just one way we are supporting our traders during this challenging time."

READ MORE: Construction to begin on Broomhall Way bridge near Worcester

Cllr Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Nobody wanted another lockdown, but it’s necessary to get infection rates down, protect our NHS and save lives.

"We will be providing further business support grants once we have received the money and detailed guidance from the Government, and we are once again working with our voluntary and community sector to support the vulnerable.

"We will get through this, we will build back stronger, but right now we need everyone to play their part and to follow the new national restrictions."

For more information about parking in Malvern, go to www.malvernhills.gov.uk/news-alerts/free-festive-parking-offer-to-support-local-traders.

For Wychavon, go to www.wychavon.gov.uk/news-and-alerts/free-parking-in-wychavon-s-car-parks-during-lockdown