Stafford Borough Council has introduced an afternoon of free parking at their Crown Street and Christchurch way car parks to encourage more people to head into the town to boost trade for local businesses.
From 1pm on the 25th January, visitors to Stone and Stafford will be able to park for free at select Borough Council operated car parks.
The move was put forward to benefit residents and visitors following the traditional ‘long month’ after Christmas.
Parking charges have been waived on all the Borough Council car parks in the two towns – except the Riverside and Waterfront car parks in Stafford.
Stone has a great selection of shops and businesses that serve the local community and visitors to the town.
A spokesperson for Stone Traders Group told A Little Bit of Stone:
“Stone Traders Group are working hard to promote the Town Centre through our ‘Stone is where the Heart is’ campaign. The High Street is holding its own during this challenging period for the High Street, mainly because the residents and businesses are pulling together. Although the offer of free parking in SBC car parks in Stone on Saturday 25th January is welcomed, it seems a contradiction to the recent news they are raising current charges and introducing new overnight and Sunday charges, which we oppose. STG would urge Stafford BC to sit down with us and Stone Town Council, who have already opposed the changes, and think about a clear, joined up strategy for parking in Stone Town Centre moving forward, which could benefit all; businesses, shoppers, residents and visitors alike. It’s about time Stafford BC listened to the people of Stone and those who work in the Town Centre.”
Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said:
“Money can be tight after the festive period. There’s a long count down to payday at the end of January. We want to encourage everyone to come into town throughout 2020 to shop for what they need and what time better than the start of the year.
“As well as shopping why not grab the opportunity of some time out to relax in the great cafes and restaurants in Stafford and Stone. This free parking offer is the council’s added incentive for young and old to hit the high street!”
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
