TRADERS have backed a new campaign to steal frustrated shoppers away from Colchester this Christmas by offering free parking in Tendring.

Tendring Council special free parking offer will be splashed across the back of buses in Colchester with the hope of attracting festive shoppers, many of whom could be fed up with forking out for parking and getting stuck in traffic in the town.

Council leader Mick Page said: “We want people to come into the district and visit our towns, use their shops and facilities, and see what we have to offer.

Mark Morlsey, chairman of the Manningtree Association for Commerce, Culture and Community, said: “I think it has the potential - any attempt is better than no attempt at all.

“I think something like that is to be applauded."