Shoppers in Coalville can park for two hours free of charge in Market Hall Car Park from Monday 9 August.

The car park, which is owned and operated by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), will now give the first two hours free - the same that is offered on surrounding parking owned by Belvoir Shopping Centre owners, Gylo.

This means shoppers no longer have to wait until 3pm to get their free parking at Market Hall – the first two hours are free on all standard spaces and the 'Free after 3pm' scheme previously available on the car park is no longer running.

Charging beyond the two free hours will now also match the other Belvoir Shopping Centre car parks.

As part of an historic agreement with the Belvoir Shopping Centre, 73 of the 175 spaces will be allocated for free to permit holders – meaning those who work in the shopping centre can park for free all day.

The 13 disabled bays will remain free with no limit on time.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: "With the car parks surrounding the Market Hall Car Park being free for two hours, it made sense for us to reflect this in our own car park. The two free hours is popular with shoppers and we want to encourage people into the town to support local businesses.

"Coalville is a real focus for us and the more we can do to encourage people into the town centre the better."

NWLDC will still manage Market Hall Car Park, including any enforcement. Details of the charging schemes in the different car parks in the town are shown in the car parks themselves.

For information on car parking in Coalville and across the district, see here .