COUNCIL-RUN car parks across Gwynedd will be free to use from next week in a bid to boost trade.

As part of Gwynedd Council’s eff­orts to support the county’s businesses, free parking will be offered in all the county’s public car parks during the period leading up to Christmas.

These efforts to encourage people to make the most of Gwynedd’s shops will mean that there will be free parking in the council’s public car parks from 15 to 27 December. Fees will be as standard from 28 December.

Cllr Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for environment, said: “Business owners tell us that our free Christmas parking scheme is of huge benefit to them every year.

“As well as providing a boost for local traders, it’s also better for the environment to shop locally rather than travelling for miles to be stuck in traffic.”

Cllr Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd economic development Cabinet member, added: “The period running up to Christmas offers our shops and businesses a fantastic opportunity to showcase the wonderful produce they have to offer.

“We hope that more people than ever make the most of the free parking scheme and support our local shops during what is such an important time of year for them.”

Gwynedd Council has advised shoppers to ensure they are using a council-run car park to benefit from the free parking.

There will be a sign on every public car park pay-and-display machine, so if you can’t see a sign, you could be using a privately owned car park and be expected to pay as normal.