From now until the New Year, Lehighton will allow free parking in the downtown.

Borough council recently agreed to allow free parking in the downtown district from Thanksgiving to the New Year to promote the borough's local businesses.Currently, South First Street is the only location in the downtown that's metered, according to borough Manager Nicole Beckett.She said there has been discussion on the removal of the meters, but that there are concerns with the effects to the businesses.Council continues to consider options, Beckett said.- Terry Ahner