Abingdon traders are hoping for their best Christmas ever as shoppers get free parking from next month.

Shopkeepers hope the two-hour free stay in council car parks from Friday, December 9, will increase trade.

The move, which allows drivers the free stay in Abingdon, Wantage, and Faringdon, will cost Vale of White Horse District Council about £250,000 a year.

Phil May, owner of the Throwing Buns cafe in Market Place, said: “No matter what your trade is you will benefit from the increased footfall as it is more convenient for people to come in.”

Lewis Baker, of the Lewis Baker department store in Bridge Street, said it could be the most fruitful Christmas period for the town’s traders in recent years.

He said: “The signs are quite good. People have been going over to shop in Witney and Didcot and maybe this will encourage them back.”

The plans were finalised at a council cabinet meeting on Friday after consultation with businesses.

Abingdon Chamber of Commerce president Paul Townsend said the movewould help Abingdon compete with Didcot and Witney, where there is free parking.

He said: “People begrudge having to pay for short-term parking.”

But he added that the new rules had to be advertised on key roads into the town.

James Choularton, owner of Outdoor Traders in High Street, said winter would be tough for retailers.

He said: “The economy and consumer spending is in decline, but that is national. I hope (free parking) gives people the incentive to come into the town, but only time will tell.”

The Conservatives promised the two hours free parking in their local election campaign before winning the district council in May.

Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said the move was aimed at revitalising towns.

He said: “It is something people have wanted for a long time.

“We want to keep more business in the district.”

But the move has been criticised by opposition councillors who claim it is unaffordable.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Richard Webber said there were better ways to spend the money and help town centre trade.

He added: “If they are right I will be delighted as I want the best for Abingdon traders.”

The chamber has also planned a series of festive events to attract people to the town, including the Christmas Extravaganza on Thursday, December 1, from 5pm, and a visit to the Market Place from Father Christmas and two reindeer on Saturday, December 10.

The council is also offering its annual day of free parking for Christmas shoppers across the Vale on Saturday, December 3.