Free parking is being offered to visitors at all council car parks in Rugby town centre during the run up to Christmas.

Rugby Borough Council launches the festive free parking offer on Saturday, November 21 - the day of the Christmas lights switch-on celebration - with visitors able to park for free all day on the five weekends leading up to Christmas Day.

Last-minute Christmas shoppers can park for free at all council-operated car parks on the final four shopping days before the big day - Monday, December 21 to Thursday, December 24 - to support town centre businesses and the council's 'Shop Rugby' campaign.

The free parking offer applies at the following town centre car parks: North Street; Little Church Street; Railway Terrace; Old Market Place; John Barford; Newbold Road; Town Hall/Evreux Way; Gas Street; Chestnut Fields; Westway.

Shoppers are encouraged to buy local this Christmas. Picture: Patrick Joyce.

placeholder image — Shoppers are encouraged to buy local this Christmas. Picture: Patrick Joyce.

Cllr Louise Robinson, leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: "Our plan to revitalise Rugby town centre is delivering results - for example each town centre event this year has increased visitor numbers by up to 20 per cent compared to the same event last year.

"The Christmas period is vital for businesses and the free all day parking offer aims to encourage more visitors to come to town and stay for longer during the festive season."

Following the Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday, November 21, the town centre hosts a Christmas market on Saturday, November 28 and a lantern parade on Saturday, December 19.

Full details of the town centre Christmas events programme look set to be announced next week.

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, deputy leader of the council, said: "I would urge residents to support local businesses in town and take advantage of the free parking offer, which I hope will help the local economy.

"Shop local for Christmas."

The free parking offer applies to the weekends of November 21 and 22, Novembe, 28 and 29, December 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, with free all-day parking also available on December 21, 22, 23 and 24.

The offer only applies to the council-operated car parks listed and does not apply to private car parks or Warwickshire County Council's on-street parking.

For more information on the Christmas events programme, visit www.therugbytown.co.uk or follow The Rugby Town on social media.

For car parks, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/parking