Free parking, which is to be provided in Oswestry on set days in the run-up to Christmas, is expected to cost the town council in the region of £11,500, councillors have heard.

Oswestry town councillors agreed the proposals at a special meeting held last night following calls to help boost the town during the economic downturn.

It also led to councillors backing proposals to explore the issue of forming a “regeneration board”.

It was agreed to allow free parking on the town council’s car parks on Saturday and Sunday and December 13 and 14, from 10am onwards, and also on December 17 and 19 from 10am until 5pm. Charges will also be scrapped from 4pm on Friday for Christmas Music Live.

It came following calls from Yossi Gliksman, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, for concessions on parking in the town on weekends in December to compete with out-of-town shopping centres.

He said it would act as an incentive, help the traders and boost the economy.

But in a last-minute appeal yesterday, Mr Gliksman called for free parking during certain weekdays when shops were quiet.

Councillor Owen Jones said: “This is the least we can do to help the town.”

Oswestry Borough Council is also considering similar measures. Dave Preston, town clerk, also put forward proposals for a regeneration board, which could look at promotion, self-help for businesses and would be a forum for debate on car parking arrangements.