In a fresh blow to the high streets of Glastonbury and Street, Somerset Council has confirmed this year, there will be no free parking in their car parks during the lead-up to Christmas.

In previous years, Somerset's district councils, which have now been merged to create Somerset Council, had offered free parking on Saturdays in December, with the aim of supporting local businesses and attracting shoppers.

However, this popular initiative has been discontinued following the merger.

This move comes as a consequence of the council's financial struggles and significantly impacts local commerce, especially during the festive season.

Local traders in the county have expressed their disappointment over this decision and have called for its reversal. They contend that the provision of free parking played a pivotal role in attracting shoppers during the festive season, particularly on occasions like Small Business Saturday.

A spokesman from Somerset Council said: "While we would like to be able to offer free parking in the county over the pre-Christmas period, given the current financial climate we are not able to do so this year.

"We anticipate this would cost about £50,000. Our executive committee recently declared a financial emergency in response to soaring costs and demands for services. This means we are reviewing all spending, including free Christmas parking, to ensure we can continue to protect our core services and look after people in need."

Laura Wolfers, Chair of Street and Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, voiced her disappointment, stating, "Sad as I think it helped draw people in, like the free parking on Small Business Saturday. Everyone is tightening their belts, and since the letter came out about the financial condition of Somerset Council, let's hope they can reinstate it next year."