COPELAND Council is reminding residents and visitors that its car parks are free throughout December.

The council has offered free parking in its 10 car parks since the start of November, and the offer is valid until January 3.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “Now more than ever, our local businesses need the support of our community.

“We’ve offered free parking since the start of lockdown to assist the workers of town centre shops and businesses that remained open.

“Now that more businesses will be reopening their doors this week, I am encouraging all our residents – and visitors – to take advantage of free parking in town to use our shops for your Christmas shopping, to enjoy a meal or refreshments in our restaurants and cafes, to use our local hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons, or to take a stroll along Whitehaven harbour or St Bees foreshore.”

Mr Starkie and Copeland Council launched their Shop Local: Keep it in Copeland campaign in the summer to support local businesses. The council’s website (www.copeland.gov.uk/shop-local-campaign) has three directories with contact details and websites for the borough’s retailers, food premises and health and beauty providers.

Mr Starkie added: “There are over 400 businesses listed in our various directories – and we have excellent local businesses and national stores located right throughout the borough – so please visit our website to check if you can get what you need in Copeland this festive period.”

For more information on the campaign, or to contact Jenny Brumby, the council’s new Shop Local co-ordinator, visit www.copeland.gov.uk/shop-local-campaign.

Car parks that are free to use are listed at https://www.copeland.gov.uk/car-parks

Please note that there are a number of marked bays that are reserved for residents and not available for public use.