PARKING is now free for the first hour in Stockton town centre's short stay car parks in an attempt to encourage more shoppers to the town.

Stockton Borough Council has invested £20m in the town centre and a grand re-opening of the centre is planned for Saturday, March 21.

Now the council has announced the free first hour parking with just £1 for the next two hours after that, with no maximum stay.

The authority is trying to encourage more small, independent shops and quirky markets to the town to offer an alternative to out-of-town shopping centres like Teesside Park. As part of the development a new circular, communal area is being created by the Town Hall and there will be new public art celebrating the town's railway heritage.

Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “It means people can easily drop-in and visit the many small businesses which are establishing themselves in the town or enjoy the many cultural and leisure opportunities available here – whether they be on the High Street or the Riverside which is just a short walk from the town centre.”

Charges apply from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, but do not apply on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Visitors are advised to ensure that they still collect and display a ticket from the nearest machine even if they only intend to park for the free duration of one hour.

For more information on the regeneration of Stockton Town Centre, visit rediscoverstockton.co.uk