FREE parking will be available in Oldbury, Blackheath, Cradley Heath and Old Hill council-run car parks every Saturday in December.

This year, Sandwell Council is extending its free parking offer for Saturdays in December – which in previous years saw drivers being able to park for free on the two Saturdays before Christmas.

It means parking is now free in all council town centre car parks on all five Saturdays in December.

Free parking does not include Sandwell Valley car parks, privately-run car parks and on-street parking bays.

Time limits on short stay car parks still apply.

Sunday parking is already free in the council’s town centre car parks.

Go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/parking for details of council car parks in Sandwell.

Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: "We have introduced free parking in council town centre car parks on every Saturday during December to support town centre shopping during the most important trading month of the year.

“In previous years, we only had free parking on the two Saturdays before Christmas, so by extending this to all of the Saturdays in December it will help more people take advantage of free parking to shop locally.

"It’s a great time of year for shoppers to see what’s on offer in our town centres, with Christmas decorations up and a wonderful festive atmosphere, and we encourage everyone to support our local shops and businesses.”