TOWN hall chiefs are ready to freeze parking charges in Burnley town centre to help cash-strapped shoppers.

Council bosses, who were set to hike up fees by eight per cent in April, now say holding charges at the 15 town centre public sites is the best way to keep people spending money during the financial downturn.

A senior councillor has said he is “proud” the authority is helping out shoppers during the credit crunch and the move to keep charges the same has also been backed by a business leader.

Coun Charlie Briggs, executive member with responsibility for car parks, said: “If full council agrees, we are going to freeze the charges, which I think is fantastic.

“We have all heard about the credit crunch and this is giving the people of Burnley something back. I am proud that the council has proposed it.

“Hopefully it will bring more shoppers into the town centre because they will get cheap parking and there is also the ice rink in St James’ Street to enjoy now too.

“It is a gesture more than anything but these are tough times and every little helps.”

Burnley Council generally raises parking charges on its sites every two years, with a review due in March.

However, the expected eight per cent rise, which would have come into force on April 1, is now set to be scrapped, potentially costing the council around £90,000 in lost revenue.

But bosses insist the losses will be worth it if shoppers are more tempted to park up and spend their cash in the town’s shops, cafes and restaurants.

Burnley Chamber of Trade president George Heys said: “I’m sure it will bring more people into the town. It is a fantastic idea.”

If members of Burnley Council’s executive back the proposals tomorrow night, they will be put before full council early next year.