Shoppers will be able to park for free in Stone and Stafford town centres on two Saturdays in the run up to Christmas.
Parking charges have been waived for Stafford Borough Council car parks from 1pm on Saturday 14 December and from the same time the following week on 21 December. The free parking period applies to all borough council run car parks in Stafford and Stone town centres – except the Riverside and Waterfront car parks in Stafford, and aims to encourage more people to shop in both town centres to boost trade for local businesses over the festive season.
Stone town centre has a great mix of shops, cafes and restaurants, with some exciting new businesses opening up in the run up to Christmas, a Cider & Cheese Deli, and Charlie’s Cat Cafe. With already established businesses, including an award winning butchers, gift shops, clothes shops, cafes & bars to take a break when the shopping gets too much, and lots more, this Christmas is a great time to be shopping local.
Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “Whether people are shopping for gifts, festive food and drink or going for a seasonal lunch, they can do so and not have to pay to park on these two afternoons. Both town centres have so much to offer and I encourage people in the borough to shop local for Christmas this year.”
As well as a variety of independent and big name stores in Stafford town centre and great places to grab a drink and a bite to eat, there is the Christmas Farmers Market and funfair on 14 December. The Elf Station, Funfair, Makers Market and carols by Stafford Concert Band will be in town on the 21st.
Mary Walker, Chair of Stafford Town Centre Partnership, added: “These are key dates for retailers and so I am very pleased that we can attract more people in to the town by offering free parking.
“I hope residents and visitors will also put dates in their diaries for the several events taking place in and around the town centre in the run up to the big day. It is great to see the town busy with shoppers and people enjoying the festive activities and I know retailers and businesses will be keen to capitalise on the increased footfall.”
A list of town centre events over the festive period can be found at www.stafford-towncentre.co.uk/events.htm Most borough council car parks offer cash free parking throughout the year so visitors to the town centres can pay for their parking using their mobile phones, and top it up without having to return to their cars.
Details of where to park in Stafford and Stone town centres can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/carparks . More information on where and how you can use cash-free parking is available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cash-free-parking
