Free parking is coming to Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield for two days during the festive season.

On Saturday, December 2, there will be free parking in Welwyn Garden City at Hunters Bridge, Campus East Lower, Campus West and Cherry Tree car parks, to coincide with Small Business Saturday, a nationwide campaign to promote independent and small retailers.

On Saturday, December 16, there will be free parking in Hatfield at Kennelwood Lane and The Common Multi-Storey Car Park, with local businesses handing out a limited number of adult and children's goodie-bags, alongside Christmas activities for children.

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Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council hopes the free parking will promote the town centres and promote shopping local this Christmas.

"I am delighted to be able to announce this initiative to promote our town centres and the amazing businesses we have," said Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, deputy leader and executive member for housing.

"We will be working with the Welwyn Garden City BID, and businesses in Hatfield, to ensure that the days are a success, and we hope that as many people as possible use the opportunity to discover everything that our town centres have to offer."