SHOPPERS in East Hampshire can start their Christmas spree by parking for free this weekend.

Alton Town Council has secured free parking from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) for Small Business Saturday tomorrow (December 3), an annual event encouraging shoppers to use local smaller outlets rather than national chains, and Alton’s annual Yuletide Festival, which on Sunday.

On Saturday, fees will be waived in car parks in both Alton and Petersfield as part of the council’s drive to promote Small Business Saturday. The national campaign seeks to encourage shoppers to focus on local, independent businesses.

Research shows that for every £100 spent in a local business, £68 is likely to stay in the community, compared to just £43 of that spent in a national chain.

Glynis Watts, EHDC’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “At East Hampshire District Council, we know that small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy.

“As a result, we work hard to support the vital independent businesses wherever we can, whether it is through £500 grants for start-ups, business advice or supporting apprentices.

“We want to be one of the most business-friendly councils in the country and our commitment to providing free parking on Small Business Saturday shows that we recognise the importance of our independent shops and the benefit they bring to the local economy.

“Free car parking is a great way to kick off the Christmas shopping period. I hope everyone takes full advantage of the day and remembers to pay our small businesses a visit.”

On Sunday, thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Alton’s annual Yuletide Festival, which will see the town centre buzzing with carol singers and street entertainers, games and fair rides, with Christmas, craft, food and charity stalls lining the High Street, and more inside the Assembly Rooms where there will be a Santa’s grotto, with Christmas donkeys and reindeer grazing on the lawn outside.

At the same time, Alton Community Centre will host its annual Christmas cracker fair, with more stalls selling crafts, homeware, gifts and treats, a festive post box, free mulled wine and mince pies, and an opportunity for children to take part in seasonal activities, including a storytime session for under-sevens.

To encourage people to come and spend time in the town, the pay-and-display machines in the town’s public car parks will have hoods over them and notices to remind users that they do not have to pay to park this weekend. All normal on-street parking restrictions remain in force.