Free Saturday parking in bid to boost trade
CHARGES WAIVED IN COUNCIL’S CAR PARKS IN TWO TOWNS
CHRISTMAS shoppers will be able to park for free on Saturdays in Burton and Uttoxeter town centres in the runup to the big day.
East Staffordshire Borough Council will be waiving parking charges at all of its car parks every Saturday in December.
It is hoped this will encourage people to shop locally for their festive gifts on traditionally the busiest day of the week for shopping, with free parking on December 5, 12 and 19.
The offer comes after a difficult year for traders as they have been forced to close twice during lockdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The current month-long one, which ends on
We d n e s d a y , December 2, is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year as shoppers flock to towns to get their Christmas shopping done.
Bernard Peters, the borough council’s deputy leader for regulatory and community support, said: “Saturdays tend to be the busiest shopping days in the run-up to Christmas.
“By waiving parking charges on these specified dates we are hoping to encourage more footfall to access the towns of Burton and Uttoxeter safely, and, fundamentally, provide a much needed boost to our retailers and businesses following the turbulent times we are all experiencing.”
This offer is in addition to the “free after 3” parking offer which already gives shoppers free parking in the Coopers Square and Burton Place (Lower) car parks in Burton and the Maltings car park in Uttoxeter every day after 3pm.
Nik Hardy, president of the Burton Chamber of Commerce, has welcomed the news and what it will mean for businesses in the town, adding that he would encourage people to take advantage of the shops.
He said: “This news will be most welcome to shoppers and retailers alike as I’m sure it will encourage the public to stay local and buy local, a campaign that myself and Burton and District Chamber of Commerce has been championing all year.”
Conservative councillor Becky Brady, who represents Stapenhill on East Staffordshire Borough Council, had previously called for the “silly” charges to be dropped or reduced to help businesses and residents across East Staffordshire in the run-up to Christmas.
She said it was important to support the businesses in the town when they can reopen on December 2, as well as shoppers who could do with one less expense after what has been a difficult year for everyone.
During lockdown, non-essential shops, such as toy and clothing outlets, have closed. Only those selling essential items such as food and drink have been allowed to stay open.
As the town moves into Tier 3 restrictions after lockdown non-essential shops can reopen. Under Tier 3, pubs and restaurants have to stay closed except for takeaway orders.
Burton Mail readers had also called for free parking in bid to get shoppers into the town and spending in the shops, which many saying it would encourage shoppers to spend their money in town.
Many said it would be a great help to the town centre, with some pointing out that nearby Swadlincote already has it and it encourages more people into the town.
I’m sure it will encourage the public to stay local and buy local.
Nik Hardy of Burton Chamber of Commerce