The Executive will discuss the proposal on Thursday, but council leader Dick Walsh said it was something he fully supported.

“We did the same thing last year in a bid to help our communities and local traders in the run-up to Christmas, and we received very positive feedback from both shoppers and traders,” he added.

“Given the current challenging financial climate – and the recent extreme weather conditions – I am delighted to support the idea of lifting the charges for these last few shopping days before Christmas. I am confident that the Executive will be fully behind the idea.”