CAR park charges in the district will be frozen for a second consecutive year, it has been announced.

Epping Forest District Council said it had made the decision not to raise prices as part of an effort to help small businesses suffering from the effects of the recession.

Motorists using car parks in Buckhurst Hill, Epping, Loughton, Ongar and Waltham Abbey will all benefit from the move, which was announced along with a pledge by the authority to continue allowing free parking in long stay facilities on Saturdays.

The move has been welcomed by the West Essex Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses , which said the decision was "excellent news".

Chairman David Miles said: "Epping Forest District Council is facing a tough financial year from April 2010 as local authorities see tight controls on the grants they receive from central government but the good news is that the council is determined to continue its support for local businesses.

"This is excellent news and gives retailers the opportunity to develop ways of attracting shoppers to use those facilities and bring additional business through their door."

The council's portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Chris Whitbread, said: “By introducing these initiatives we hope to make life easier for our local small businesses during these difficult financial times. "By keeping parking charges the same, we hope to encourage people to keep shopping in our towns to support local retailers."

The council has also said it will aim to increase the speed with which it processes invoices from traders down from the current timespan of 30 working days to 20 days.