Independent businesses in town centres across Enfield will be given a helping hand today as part of Small Business Saturday.

Those travelling into any town centre in the borough will be able to park free of charge for the first three hours of their stay at any Enfield Borough Council car park.

The initiative is the third event in the past month to help promote local businesses and keep the High Street vibrant.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson visited Enfield Town shopping centre and shops in Lancaster Road to support Enfield North MP Nick de Bois and Southgate MP David Burrowes’ scheme to lower business rates in the borough.

Community group Love Your Doorstep (LYDS) has started a shop local campaign to keep locals on the high streets and stay away from the bigger shopping centres this Christmas.

The council has been working with Enfield Business Retailers Association (EBRA) to produce a special guide to Enfield Town shopping, restaurants and small businesses to help boost trade.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for business and regeneration Councillor Del Goddard said: “We are absolutely committed to encouraging local business and we are putting our money where our mouth is on Small Business Saturday and doing lots of things to encourage our residents to shop at their nearest town centre.”