CHRISTCHURCH council has cut back on their free Christmas parking arrangements - three weeks after giving the go-ahead to festive measures.

Despite the council's resources committee giving the go-ahead to free parking in all town centre car parks on October 14, an emergency item at a special resources committee on Wednesday has amended this decision.

It cuts the number of car parks as well as reducing the amount of days free parking will be offered.

Originally the council were offering free parking from Thursday, December 17, until Thursday, December 24.

Now, the period will run from Saturday, December 19, until Thursday, December 24, from 10am each day.

The festive car parking deal will also only be offered in shoppers' car parks, not all town centre car parks as per the council's original decision.

At the October resources committee, Cllr Andy Barfield said the cost of £19,000 was "very large", but added: "I am pleased that we can give this level of income back to those traders that serve us so well all year round."

Cllr Claire Bath, portfolio holder for economy, also said during the meeting: "I am really pleased that we as a council are giving something back to encourage people to come and shop in Christchurch for their Christmas presents.

"Happy Christmas to all our residents from Christchurch council."

Responding to the changes, Cllr Trevor Watts, chairman of Christchurch council’s resources committee, said: "In light of the need to stay within approved budgets, Christchurch council’s resources committee has re-examined the decision made at its October committee meeting regarding free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

"The decision has now been taken to have free parking in the core shoppers' car parks in the town centres (Saxon Square, Bank Close, Wick Lane, Bridge Street, Pit Site, By-pass (Waitrose) and Wortley Road, Highcliffe) from 10am to 7pm from Saturday, December 19, to Thursday, December 24."

Stephen Bowden, president of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "We are pleased that they are willing to continue with the free parking.

"Of course, we would like as much as possible and in future years perhaps this can be reviewed and even extended.

"Christchurch is still open for business and we want as many people as possible to visit."