Visitors to this year’s Helensburgh Winter Festival will be able to park free of charge in the town’s pay-and-display car parks.

Argyll and Bute Council is waiving charges on the weekend of December 2 and 3.

Councillor Roddy McCuish, the authority’s policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: “This is a great festive boost for the town.

“By allowing people to use our off-street car parks free of charge again this year we showing our support for the local community and the local economy.

“Over this weekend people can come to Helensburgh, park free of charge in the pay-and-display car parks and enjoy everything the winter festival has to offer, as well as socialise and shop.

“Winter festivals in our main towns are big draws and we’re committed to doing what we can to support them.

“Obviously to keep our roads and car parks in good condition we have to charge for parking but we are happy to waive charges to support local events.

“It’s a tough financial time for many, especially in the run-up to Christmas, so we’re happy to make it as easy as possible for people to come into the town and take advantage of everything that’s on offer.

“Please come and enjoy Helensburgh’s festive delights.”

Parking machines in the off-street car parks will be bagged up on December 1 for the duration of the festival.

Signs will be put up to let people know.

This arrangement will be replicated in other towns to support their winter festivals.