Plans to introduce free parking in the town centre are set to be voted on by councillors.

The proposal, which includes free parking from 2pm on Thursdays in the run-up to Christmas, will be voted on by Maldon District Council on Thursday (November 5).

The dates include November 12,19 and 26 and December 3,10 and 17, which could coincide with late-night shopping.

Maldon Businesses Board has also requested that the afternoon of Christmas Eve be added to free parking afternoons.

Councillors will also discuss whether or not to give the green light to changing afternoon and evening car park charges in the town centre after talks with local businesses.

There are two possible proposals.

The first would see the evening charge be brought forward to 3pm instead of 6pm on Mondays to Fridays.

The second would see the evening charge period be brought forward to one afternoon a week.