Free parking is now available at selected car parks in Bridgend as part of the council's plan to boost support for local businesses.
On Monday, Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) announced that parking will be free at council-owned town centre car parks until the end of July to encourage residents to shop locally.
Cabinet member for communities Councillor Richard Young said: "Local businesses need all the help they can get to meet the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and I am pleased to confirm that the council will provide this free parking concession as part of our overall support."
Until the end of July, parking will be free at the following locations:
- Bridgend town centre: Rhiw and Brackla Street multi-storeys and the open-air car park behind Wilkinsons
- Porthcawl: Hilsboro and John Street car parks
Free parking will remain available at Pencoed and Maesteg.
Rest Bay car park has been reopened, with pay and display machines in use, while the car park at Salt Lake remains closed until further notice.
The council waived parking fees in the town centre on the same day non-essential shops were allowed to re-open in Wales.
Businesses in the 'essential' category were allowed to reopen at Bridgend Indoor Market last week.
Cllr Young said: "The pandemic is not over, and businesses and customers alike must continue to observe strict social distancing and other measures which are designed to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus."
BCBC has provided 2,256 local businesses with over £28m in financial support since the start of the pandemic.
It is also offering training and advice to businesses to help them reopen and free sneeze guards to be installed around tills and shop counters.
