Free parking days to boost high street

FOUR days of free parking will be offered in Macclesfield as Cheshire East Council attempts to give the town’s high street an ‘extra boost’.

Macclesfield Town Council can now decide which days to implement the scheme during the next 12 months, whether it be for special events or to encourage Christmas shoppers.

The car parks it will apply to are at Duke Street, Exchange Street, Churchill Way, Park Green, Sunderland Street, the town hall and Whalley Hayes.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for highways, said: “This is good news for our towns and residents – and local shops and businesses.

“The council faces severe financial pressures – with increased demand for key services and big reductions in income due to Covid-19.

“However, we wanted to help give our towns and high streets an extra boost – and as a thank you to our residents for their support and patience during the challenges of the pandemic and lockdown.”

The scheme was also used in 2016 and this time round six other towns are also included - Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Congleton, Crewe, Nantwich and Knutsford.

On the four days, free parking will begin at 10am.

It will be down to the town council to advertise and promote the free days on the designated sites on the days in question.

Also to quickly remove these materials afterwards, to avoid any confusion for visitors.

Coun Crane said: “The primary purpose of this incentive is to support our towns and provide a flexible incentive which can be used in the run up to Christmas or spread throughout the year to aid key town events.

“This is in addition to the free parking after 3pm at certain designated car parks within the borough.

“The offer of free parking will be considered on those car parks predominantly used by shoppers.”