Residents, shoppers and traders have criticised Tameside Council's free parking offer with just two weekends to go before Christmas.
The announcement has been condemned as 'too little, too late" by residents who says they have already done the majority of their festive shopping.
Neighbouring councils, such as Stockport, have offered free parking throughout December, while Tameside's offer only begins this weekend.
Starting on Saturday, December 16, car parking will be free in all short stay Tameside Council operated car parks across the borough to encourage people to shop local.
Janet Louth said: "Too little, too late. The damage has already been done. Christmas trading is almost over."
Kim Dolmmor added: "What about doing it for the full two weeks, not just weekends?"
Phil Chadwick said: "Damage to businesses has been done already."
Nomis Bennett simply added: "Thanks for nowt."
And Chris Quest said: "Car parking charges have already screwed up shopping in Ashton. The council are so short sighted and local shops lose out."
Jim Davis added: "Even Scrooge would have offered more."
Tameside Council were approached for a comment.
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