Parking could be made free for Christmas shoppers in Wokingham and Woodley on specific days in the run-up to the big day.

Wokingham Borough Council looks set to suspend charges in its car parks during planned Christmas events in Wokingham and Woodley.

Charges could be suspended in Wokingham on Sunday, November 26, for the Wokingham Winter Carnival – an event with fairground rides, street entertainment, a Santa’s Grotto and market stalls.

And there could also be free parking at council car parks in Woodley on Sunday, December 3, for the Christmas Extravaganza – which will feature charity stalls, games and live entertainment.

READ MORE: Wokingham parking charges rise necessary, councillor insists

Councillor Paul Fishwick – responsible for parking – is set to formally approve the decision on Tuesday, October 31.

Council documents suggest that in previous years, parking charges have been suspended for up to three Saturdays ahead of Christmas.

This year, the council is facing a shortfall in its budget – but it says it wants to continue supporting businesses ahead of Christmas by suspending charges on these days only, using money from an economic development grant.

It warns that these two days should be seen as a “special and unique case” only. Council documents say: “Free off street parking on these specific Sundays would provide a boost to the local events at a vital time of the year for businesses and traders.

“Given the limited economic grant available this is seen as a special and unique case and should not be seen as a precedent for further free off-street parking events.”