The date for Christmas free parking in Helston has been revealed with Cornwall Council urging support for local shops during the festive period.

People will be able to park for free locally on a day selected by their city, town or parish council to support local shops and businesses and enjoy local cafes and restaurants.

Helston Town Council has picked the 19th December in Castle Green, Cattlemarket, Trengrouse Way, Trengrouse Way Extension and Tyacke Road.

You can also park for free in Porthleven on the 5th December at Kittos Field.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said:

"This year more than ever it's important that we all support our local shops and businesses in a safe and considerate manner. If you take advantage of the free parking offer in a town near you, please make sure you adhere to all the social distancing measures in place."

Cornwall Council contacted city, town and parish councils to offer the initiative which will result in over 90 Cornwall Council run car parks, which usually charge for parking, being free for one day.

The council also gave city, town and parish councils the opportunity to offer additional free parking days in one or more of the Cornwall Council car parks in their area and some local councils are doing so.

All Cornwall Council car parks are clearly branded and the Council will be displaying posters about the parking offer at charging points on the day when parking is free.

If the car park is one of the 'pay on exit' car parks, you should take a ticket from the entrance barrier as usual.

On departure, if you have only parked on the free parking day, the barrier will open to allow you to exit. If you have stayed for longer than the free parking day, any additional parking fee will need to be paid for at a pay station before you return to your vehicle.

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