BARNSLEY could have free car parking at weekends in the town centre by December.

The proposal is still subject to consultation. But, with the financial crisis responsible for the markets' project being put on hold for at least a year, leader Coun Steve Houghton said the move was one way of promoting the town centre.

Other plans include free bus transport for children until 9pm every day, free swimming for those under 18 and OAPs at Barnsley Premier Leisure centres and free sports activities for children during school holidays.

There are also proposals to freeze council tax for pensioners and a guarantee that council tax rises will be lower than the rate of inflation for three years. They will be paid for with £5m created by a review of council administration.

The savings are expected to mean the loss of between 50 and 100 jobs. Area forums are expected to go. Most of the other proposals are hoped to be brought in by April.

Coun Houghton said: "The Labour Party in Barnsley has been hearing what people have been saying in local elections."

But Peter Kwapisz, vice president of the Barnsley Market Traders' Federation, said it was ludicrous. "The one day they don't need help is Saturdays because it's the busiest day; they could do with help midweek when it is quiet. The council hasn't got a clue."

Barnsley Independent Group Coun Bill Gaunt said: "On the face of it I am in favour of most of these items but I fail to see how they are going to pay for it. The budget deficit they are building up for the future is enormous."