CHRISTMAS is due to come early for Petersfield shoppers and festival goers with three hours of free parking on two days in December.
Parking in Petersfield, and also Alton, will be free for the first three hours on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December, 3.
This will coincide with Small Business Saturday and Christmas festivals in Alton and Petersfield, the next day.
East Hampshire District Council Councillor Ingrid Thomas said: “This is the perfect time to give away three hours free parking.
“This gives people the chance to come and see what our towns have to offer, without worrying about parking fees, and maximises the number of people able to enjoy themselves here.
“We aim to be one of the UK’s most business-friendly councils and this free parking scheme will be a welcome boost to many of our local shops and stores, as well as the visiting festival traders, during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.”
Small Business Saturday is a nation-wide campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support the small businesses in their communities.
On the next day, Sunday, Petersfield will enjoy the Christmas Festival in the town, while Alton will host its Yuletide Festival.
The council operates car parks in both towns, and has altered its parking meters to allow the free three-hour tickets to be issued.