The council has arranged for The Copse park and ride to operate on the two Sundays prior to Christmas.

And it is also advising shoppers to keep away from some busy Swin-don car parks to avoid congestion.

Following discussions with Thamesdown Transport, the park and ride on Cricklade Road in north Swindon will run on Sundays, December 17 and 24.

Buses will run every 15 minutes during shopping hours; from about 10am until 4.45pm on December 17 and from 9.30am until 4.15pm on December 24.

Shoppers are also advised to use the Spring Gardens and bus station car parks to avoid town centre congestion in the run-up to Christmas.

This follows a report in the Evening Advertiser highlighting the problems for shoppers in the Fleming Way area.

During the past few Saturdays, road works in Fleet Street have increased congestion and led to long delays for shoppers trying to park. The council has also cancelled temporary Saturday park and ride services in the run up to Christmas because of a shortage of drivers.

Tomorrow, Swindon Borough Council will put up signs to direct drivers away from those car parks suffering the most from the jams, in Fleming Way and at the Brunel Centre.

Using the Spring Gardens, bus station car parks, and park and ride should reduce the impact of the roadworks in the build up to Christmas.

Coun Michael Barnes (Lab, Western), lead member for sustainable communities, said: "The two weekends before Christmas are the busiest for shopping so we're delighted to be able to offer Swindon people this service"

"By extending park and ride to these two Sundays, we're giving shoppers the opportunity to spread their last-minute shopping over two weekends.

"We want shoppers to have as simple a time as possible this Christmas."