A DECISION by Malvern Hills District Council not to offer any free parking in the run-up to Christmas has been branded “short-sighted”.

Robin Elt, chairman of the Great Malvern Association of Traders, believes the move will discourage shoppers from visiting the town.

“As ever, we believe that to compete effectively with the retail park, the council should give us free car parking,” he said. “We think it’s a very short-sighted policy by the council.”

Shoppers can take advantage of free parking on council-owned car parks in Hereford on Wednesday evenings in the run-up to Christmas, while Worcester is doing the same for Thursday evenings.

MHDC spokesman Libby Orr said: “As the vast majority of people using Malvern Hills District Council car parks already hold a resident’s parking permit, the council has decided not to offer free parking this festive season.

“The annual permits, which cover the whole of the district and cost just £15 a year, provide the holders with blocks of two hours’ free parking in any council-owned car park.” Mrs Orr said that although there would be no free parking in the days leading up to Christmas, the council had decided not to add the VAT increase to parking charges from January.

“The council will instead bear the VAT increase and ensure it is not passed on to residents or visitors.”