COUNCILLORS want changes to be made to free parking permits to allow shoppers to park earlier on market Fridays.

Harwich Town Council want residents to be able to use park in the Milton Road car park from 9.30am on Fridays.

As part of Tendring Council’s free parking permits council taxpaying households can park in the majority of council run car parks from 11am until midnight.

But at a meeting on Wednesday councillors were told some people are deciding not to shop in the town or use the market as they can’t park for free.

Jo Henderson said: “A lot of elderly people like to go out early in the morning but don’t want to pay for the car park."

A spokesman for Tendring Council said: “We will be happy to discuss this matter with Harwich Town Council and consider their request once we receive it.”