FREE PARKING
A Christmas gift of free parking
C
hristmas shopping can be costly enough
which is why motorists are being
encouraged to take advantage of the gift of
free parking in Stone town centre over two
weekends in the run up to Christmas.
Stafford Borough Council has waived parking
charges for motorists on car parks run by the local
authority on the two Saturday afternoons before
Christmas day. And council bosses are also reminding
motorists that it is already free to park all day on every
Sunday.
People won’t be charged for parking after 1pm on
Saturday 14th December 2013 and at the same time
the following week - 21st December. The council
hopes the move will encourage more people to do
their Christmas shopping and have festive meals and
drinks in the town.
It means hundreds of spaces on the three car parks
in Stone will be free to use after 1pm on both those
days.
Cabinet member for planning and regeneration at
Stafford Borough Council, Councillor Frances Beatty
told the Times and Echo she hoped it would provide
a timely boost for retailers and businesses in the town.
She added: “We want to encourage those who may
look elsewhere to do their Christmas shopping, or go
out for a seasonal lunch, to come to our borough
because we have everything you will need.
“Already some businesses and restaurants are
advertising their Christmas menus and offers and we
want to be able to support them with this by giving
their potential customers the incentive of free parking.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to take
advantage of some free car parking and enjoy what
we have to offer. We have a fantastic range of shops
from big retailers to small independents, and a wide
range of eating and drink out places, as well as other
professional services which I know will encourage
customers to keep coming back.
“We are also grateful to have an early indication
about free parking as it does help businesses plan
ahead for some of the busiest weekends of the year.”
Details of where to park in Stone can be found at
www.staffordbc.gov.uk/carparks.
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December 2013/ January 2014 9