CHRISTMAS shoppers in Newton Abbot are to benefit from extra free parking in the town centre.

Teignbridge Council will be opening the multi-storey car park to provide free Sunday parking in the run-up to the holidays.

The 296-space long stay car park, which is normally closed on Sundays, will open free on Sundays December 6, 13 and 20.

The move was introduced in response to a request from traders.

Sally Henley, Newton Abbot town development manager, said: ‘I know that businesses will be delighted at this news.

‘Sunday is an increasingly busy trading day and having the multi-storey car park open in the run-up to Christmas will be a great bonus for shoppers.’

Cllr Doug Hellier-Lang, Teignbridge Council’s executive member for economy, skills and tourism, said: ‘We’re conscious that Newton Abbot is at the heart of lots of infrastructure work and as we run up to Christmas, we are keen to support our traders as they embark on one of the busiest times of the year but also give people more choice about where they park.’

David Austin, owner of Austins department store, added: ‘This is really good news for Newton Abbot and I am sure that this response by Teignbridge Council will be seen as a very positive step for the town.

‘Additional free parking on Sundays before Christmas will offer the convenience to shoppers at a time of year that is crucial for traders and will help to enhance Newton Abbot’s position as a thriving shopping centre.’

On Sundays, all Teignbridge-owned car parks are free in a scheme that has been running since 2011.

Fees are dropped in all urban and rural parts of the district except Teignmouth, Shaldon, Dawlish and Dawlish Warren in summer.

In winter, the resorts’ car parks go free, meaning all Teignbridge-owned car parks are now free on Sundays until the end of March.

Free Sunday car parking applies to Teignbridge-owned car parks and the Newton Abbot Asda car park.

Areas of on-street pay and display, controlled by Devon County Council, are also free in Newton Abbot every Sunday.