Monmouthshire County Council has agreed with town councils and chambers of trade the dates for free parking in Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth in the run up to Christmas.

This will be a repeat of last year's successful free parking initiative which gave a welcome boost to local shops and helped remind people of the county's fantastic range of independent retailers.

The free parking dates in Abergavenny will be on Saturday December 3, 10 and 17.

Councillor Bryan Jones, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for County Operations, said, "I'm really glad that we've been able to agree these dates so quickly. "The council will produce a range of publicity to promote the free parking and the wonderful variety of shopping that our towns offer."

He continued: "Free parking was such a success last year that it's right to repeat it.

"It did cost the council around £17,000 in lost revenue but of course, our towns benefited enormously from increased custom in shops and restaurants.

"And it reminded people what a brilliant range of shops we have in our towns."

The decision to repeat free parking this Christmas was made by the cabinet member for County Operations, Councillor Bryan Jones as an individual member decision on september 14.