A POPULAR free parking scheme for thousands of residents in Tendring is set to be extended for another year.

The scheme, which was launched in 2012, gives every council tax-paying household in the district a pass to use most council-owned car parks free of change after 11am.

It is designed to support businesses by encouraging people to shop locally.
Tendring Council bosses want to continue the scheme, which costs £300,000 a year, after it is due to end on March 31.

Acting leader Paul Honeywood said the scheme had helped to boost visitors to town centres over the past two years.

He claimed it was a massive success and the envy of many other areas.

“We have had calls from lots of other districts and businesses, especially in Suffolk, who have asked how we can do it and they want to see something similar in their areas,” he said.

“It has come about through our willingness to listen to our shops and businesses to find out what would help them through difficult financial times and then through careful budgeting on our part.”

The off-street permits can be used in all council-run car parks except the Naze at Walton and Holland Haven.