Ashfield District Council is to introduce two hours free parking in Kirkby, Sutton and Hucknall from May.

This will complement the existing one-hour free parking, which is currently available to encourage people to stay longer to use local shops and services.

The council said 10% of Ashfield’s car parking spaces will offer two hours free parking to residents. There will be 12 spaces at Sutton Market Place, 35 at Piggins Croft, Hucknall and eight on Hodgkinson Road, Kirkby, which will be specially marked to offer two hours free parking.

Theresa Hodgkinson, director for place and communities, said: “This initiative is just part of the council’s ongoing commitment to town centre regeneration.

“Our town centres have some great shops, both national brands and independents, and we want to make it as easy as possible for residents to shop on their local high street and enjoy the many cafés and places to eat.”

Earlier this year 20 electric vehicle charging points were installed across the district, as part of the Go Ultra Low project led by Nottingham City Council.

Eight are located in the visitor’s car park of the council offices in Kirkby; eight in New Street car park, Sutton; a twin rapid point in the car park at Kings Mill Reservoir; and a twin rapid point in Piggins Croft car park, Hucknall.

Theresa added: “We are excited about the addition of the new electrical charge points introduced as part of the council’s green agenda. We are hoping we can encourage the use of green energy and sustainable living across our district.

“With the recent announcement of the Towns Fund for Kirkby and Sutton and potential funding for Sutton through the Future High Streets Fund, together with investments from national and local retailers, this is an exciting time for our town centres.”