CAR parking charges are to be waived at council car parks in the Ribble Valley on Saturdays throughout December in a bid to boost business.

Free parking will be on offer at council car parks throughout the borough on Saturday, December 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Ribble Valley Borough Council Leader Michael Ranson said the council was delighted to do its bit to boost local businesses during the festive season.

He said: “A lot of hard work has gone into making this Christmas in Ribble Valley extra-special, particularly by traders and businesses.

“We hope that shoppers from throughout Pennine Lancashire will take advantage of the free parking to visit the area and see what its unique, independent shops have to offer.

“We think they will be pleasantly surprised and look forward to giving them a warm festive welcome.”

Car parking charges in Ribble Valley range from £2 for up to three hours or £7 for 10 hours at Clitheroe’s main car parks in Railway View, Clitheroe Market and Lowergate.

Charges at car parks in Longridge and the villages range from 40p for up to one hour to £8 for up to 10 hours.

Ribble Valley bosses are hoping for two further boosts to trade this week.

Tomorrow celebrity chef Nigel Haworth will switch on Clitheroe’s Christmas lights outside the castle gates at 5pm.

On Thursday Whalley will be transformed into a Dickensian Victorian Christmas scene for the annual Pickwick Night from 6pm.