TEESDALE District Council is expected to give Christmas shoppers an early present by waiving parking charges in Barnard Castle throughout the festive period.

The council hopes to give businesses a boost by waiving the charges in the council's pay and display car park at Galgate.

From, Monday, December 6, until Thursday, December 23, the council aims to have free parking in Galgate car park between 1pm and 6pm, and all day on Sunday, December 19, and Friday, December 24.

In a report to councillors, Mike Dennis, the council's head of administration, says that the concessions are usually granted at Christmas to help business, and will mainly benefit local residents as there are very few visitors at that time of year.

He said: "There would obviously be lost income - estimated at £2,500 - but this should be balanced against the reasoning for giving the free period of parking."

Disabled drivers will be able to park in disabled bays and normal spaces through the concession period without incurring any charge - although they will incur a charge if they use a coach bay.

The full council is expected to approve the concession at its meeting next Wednesday.