Most shoppers will not benefit from free parking in the run up to Christmas following a Cornwall Council decision to scrap a concessionary scheme.

The scheme, which waived charges in council-owned car parks for motorists in the days leading up to Christmas, was brought in by some district councils, including Caradon, before Cornwall became a unitary authority.

Looe Town Council said: 'We are very disappointed that Cornwall Council's Christmas spirit seems to have disappeared.

'The free parking did help the economy of the town and encouraged people to come shopping and we are very disappointed that it will not be happening this year.'

Saltash is the only town so far that has agreed to subsidise a period of free parking.

In a letter addressed to all members of Cornwall Council, dated November 1st 2010, cabinet member for transportation and highways Graeme Hicks said the concessions are 'not fair or equitable' adding 'we are using public money to promote some town centres at the expense of others'.

He went on to say: 'If a fair and equitable free car park concession were to be implemented, it would have to be evenly applied across the county so that all towns benefited from it and unfair competition was not generated as a result.'

Chambers of Commerce and town and parish councils have been given the option to finance free parking schemes in their towns and villages.

Cornwall Council said it is happy to facilitate any proposal which is at no net cost to the authority.

Saltash Town Council has decided to fund free parking in Cornwall Council-owned car parks in Saltash in a bid to help Christmas shoppers in the town.