VISITORS to Maldon town centre can enjoy free parking from 11am on Mondays to Wednesdays for the rest of August – so they can eat out even more cheaply.

Maldon District Council announced the move today (Friday 7 August) to support the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, where diners can benefit from up to 50 per cent off food and drink, excluding alcohol and up to a maximum of £10 per head, when eating at participating restaurants, cafes, pubs and coffee houses."

Allison Gray, director of Willow and Fox and chairman of Maldon Business Board, said: "This is a wonderful boost to the High Street at this critical time.

"Local independent businesses have worked hard to reopen their doors and welcome their customers back. We hope people will make use of this free parking to support local retail, fashion and services as well as 'eating out to help out'. I would like to thank Maldon District Council for their support and for working with us and the Maldon Business Board through this tough time and helping us plan for the future."