Free parking will enable Christmas shoppers to spend time in towns

FREE parking is once again being offered to Christmas shoppers in the Staffordshire Moorlands in an attempt to boost trade in the towns.

Car parks owned by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) in Biddulph and Leek will be suspending all charges on the Saturdays running up to Christmas, including Christmas Eve.

Parking will be free on Saturday, December 3, December 10, and December 17, in a move aimed at encouraging shoppers to spend time in the towns.

In addition to this, parking will be free on Friday, December 16 and 23, and Saturday, December 10 and December 17 in Cheadle.

While parking is free, other regulations, such as how long you can park for, will still apply. Parking will be charged as normal outside these days over the festive period.

SMDC cabinet member for customer services, Councillor James Aberley, said: “This Christmas we’re all mindful of our budgets and ensuring we’re spending our money wisely.

“So I’m pleased that we’re able to help a little with seasonal costs by waiving parking charges on dates in the run up to the big day to encourage people to come and shop and enjoy leisure time in our towns and to support our local businesses and traders.

“The Moorlands is a great place to shop for festive gifts and Christmas treats, or to meet up with friends and families to celebrate the season. So I hope people take advantage of this offer and put Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek on their lists as places to visit this year.”