As high street retailers gear up for their busiest time of year, a number of local authorities are offering free parking in town centres on select dates.
Among them are Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Tamworth Borough Council.
More details on which dates are provided below…
Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has announced free parking in its off-street car parks in Biddulph, Leek and Cheadle.
In Biddulph and Leek, parking is free on Saturday 29th November as well as on 6th, 13th and 20th December.
Parking will also be free on 24th December in Biddulph.
The free dates in Cheadle are 22nd and 29th November as well as 6th, 13th and 20th December.
“There’s so much happening in the weeks ahead that people will want to be part of, so I’m delighted to announce these dates,” said Cllr Charlotte Atkins, cabinet member for services.
“I hope this gesture by the council will encourage everyone to come to shop, socialise and spend time in the Moorlands and enjoy the spirit and traditions that make the build up to Christmas such a special time of year.”
While parking is free of charge, other regulations – such as how long you can park for – will apply. On street parking will operate as usual.
Lichfield
The Friary Multi-Storey car park in Lichfield will provide free-of-charge weekend parking across all four weekends leading up to Christmas – from Saturday 29th November to Sunday 21st December.
The festive initiative is aimed at making it easier for shoppers and visitors to enjoy Lichfield’s Christmas markets, events and businesses during the busy retail season.
In addition, Lichfield District Council has announced that all of the car parks it manages in Lichfield city centre will become permanently free after 6.30pm every day.
Bosses said the change was designed to make it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy the city in the evening, supporting local venues and shops.
Cllr Phil Whitehouse said: “We know how important accessible and affordable parking is to our local economy.
“By permanently removing evening charges and introducing free weekend parking in the lead-up to Christmas, we’re helping more people enjoy everything Lichfield has to offer.”
The free evening parking offer applies to all Lichfield District Council car parks in the city centre from 6.30pm until 7.30am. Daytime charges remain in place before 6.30pm.
Find full details of council car parks – including locations and opening times – on the council’s website.
Stafford and Stone
There will be no charges in Stafford Borough Council car parks throughout the day on the 6th, 13th, and 20th of December.
This includes nearly 3,000 parking spaces run by the local authority in Stafford, and more than 250 in Stone.
Included in the free parking offer are the Waterfront multi-storey and Riverside undercroft car parks in Stafford.
“I hope this will encourage more people to eat, drink and shop in Stafford and Stone to support our local businesses and traders and make this an even busier time of the year for them,” said council leader Cllr Aidan Godfrey.
A list of council run car parks can be found be found at: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/carparks
Stoke-on-Trent
In Stoke-on-Trent there will be free parking across all six towns and Meir on the two Saturdays in the run-up to the big day.
It will apply to all surface-level, council-run car parks. Where applicable, charges will still apply for on-street parking.
On Saturday 13 December and Saturday 20 December, free parking will be available at:
- Burslem – Chapel Lane, Market Place, St John Square
- Tunstall – Butterfield Place, Tower Square, Farndale Street, Hunt Street, Woodland Street
- Fenton – City Road (accessed from Baker Street)
- Stoke – Aquinas Street, Copeland Street, Hide Street, Kingsway, South Wolfe Street, Spark Street, Vale Street
- Hanley – Charles Street, Hinde Street, Hope Street, Meigh Street, Pall Mall, Huntbach Street Longton – Longton Exchange, Chancery Lane, Commerce Street
- Meir – Weston Road
Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes more footfall into our towns and city – and not just for Christmas shopping,” said Cllr Amjid Wazir.
“Plenty of festive events are happening in town centres, and it is a time when people come together to meet up.
“Take the opportunity to support your local high street this Christmas.”
For more information on parking locations, please visit the council’s website.
Tamworth
Tamworth Borough Council is giving shoppers three free parking Saturdays – on 6th, 13th and 20th December.
The initiative aims to boost local trade and encourage people to shop local, while enjoying everything Christmas in Tamworth has to offer.
“Supporting our businesses is so important, especially at this busy time of year,” said Cllr Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure and the local economy.
“By offering free parking across the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas, we hope to make it easier for people to shop, dine and enjoy the festivities in the town centre.”
The packed schedule of festive entertainment in Tamworth includes a festive village, Christmas films, Santa shows, variety performances, party nights and craft markets in Ankerisde Shopping Centre.
The free parking offer only applies to Tamworth Borough Council carparks, and does not apply to those run by Ankerside, Tamworth Station, Namco and Snowdome.
For more information, please see: www.tamworth.gov.uk/car-parks
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