HASLEMERE Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Waverley's decision to offer free parking in the town from 3pm on three Thursdays in the run-up to Christmas.

But is is pressing for a more permanent pay-and-display incentive to boost local businesses.

Parking charges will be waived from 3pm in Haslemere car parks on December 4, December 11 and December 18, and many town shops are capitalising by staying open late and offering discounts for Christmas shoppers.

Chamber president Craig McGowan and treasurer Caroline Warrington met with representatives of Waverley's business and economy group to implore the council to reconsider its approach to car parking charges in Haslemere.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.