MORE free parking will be rolled out in west Suffolk to encourage shoppers and support businesses in town centres.

Under proposals due to come into force by the end of April, parking in every council-owned car park in Haverhill will be free from 3pm every Friday.

The move by St Edmundsbury Borough Council follows a previous announcement by the authority that parking in their short stay car parks in Bury St Edmunds will be free from 3pm every Tuesday.

Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for Haverhill said the move is a joint initiative between the business community and the council to encourage more people into town.

She added: “During the wide-ranging review of our car parks, we consulted town centre businesses about encouraging more people into town by offering a free parking period during the week. I am delighted to say that, having agreed the council’s budget, we will be going ahead with the scheme for a one year trial.”

The Free from Three initiative will begin April 26 and will extend into the evenings, providing a boost for the evening economy.

Ms Gower added: “Free car parking has been available after 4pm on Fridays in the run up to Christmas. Extending this year round and adding the extra hour will also allow shoppers to catch the regular provisions market.”

An initiative by Tendring District Council, where council tax paying households were issued with permits that allowed them free parking in 25 car parks between 10am and midnight all year round, has seen shoppers flocking back to local retailers.