Shoppers in Basingstoke will be able to enjoy free parking this Small Business Saturday.

Council-operated car parks in the town centre will be free of charge on December 7, from 8am until 8am the following day.

The initiative is part of the UK-wide event aimed at supporting small and independent businesses.

Small Business Saturday encourages people to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

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Basingstoke town centre, along with towns and villages across the borough, boasts a variety of independent businesses, offering shoppers plenty of options for Christmas gifts.

In addition to free parking, shoppers will also be able to collect free reusable Love Basingstoke tote bags from participating businesses.

These include Basingstoke Wellness, The Gaming Den, Gabardine Bar, and The Secret Garden in the Top of Town, as well as The Wonderland Gift Boutique, Parlour Tearoom, Turtle Tarrot, and Absolute Roses at Viables Craft Centre.

Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: "Our town centre and other high streets across the borough are a vital part of our communities and we want to do everything we can to support businesses to thrive.

"Small Business Saturday provides a great opportunity for residents to reconnect with their local areas and our amazing town centre and discover the range of exciting and creative businesses we have in our borough.

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"And we can all play our part by continuing to shop locally throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

"We are pleased that we can offer free parking in the town centre throughout the day for shoppers to help boost footfall in the run up to Christmas.

"I hope residents will come out and support our fantastic businesses."

For those who prefer to support businesses from home, The Borough Basket is an online directory that allows people to search for local independent businesses.

More information can be found at theboroughbasket.co.uk.