Shoppers delight at free parking (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Shoppers delight at free parking

8:25am Monday 3rd December 2007 in News By Laura Williams

Shoppers and traders have welcomed the news that parking will be free in Chippenham during the two weekends in the run-up to Christmas Eve.

North Wiltshire District Council has announced plans to scrap parking charges in its car parks during the busiest shopping days in December.

This means that shoppers will be able to park for free in the Emery Gate, Borough Parade and Bath Road car parks as well as Gladstone Road, Monkton Park and the Railway station.

It is hoped that this will encourage more people into the town and provide a welcome boost for businesses.

The temporary suspension of parking charges, which will take place on December 15 - 16 and 22 - 23, will also include council run car parks in Calne and Corsham.

Council leader Dick Tonge said: "We are delighted to be able to suspend parking charges in the two weekends before Christmas. Free car parking should make it easier and more convenient for motorists and shoppers to park in this busy period whilst using their local shops."

Sales Assistant Anna Hiscock, 25, said: "Well I'll definitely be doing my shopping in Chippenham now. It makes things so much easier and cheaper."

The news comes just weeks after the council was criticised for failing to re-open 20 parking spaces in the Emery Gate car park, which were cordoned off almost two years ago after a corrosive substance was found to be dripping onto peoples cars.

Rob Perks, who owns the Dutch Cottage in St Mary's Street, has welcomed the move and said he hopes to see more visitors at his tea rooms as a result.

He said: "It's clearly good news for the run up to Christmas and I'm sure it will help everybody in the High Street.

"After losing the first hour of free parking there were a lot of pensioners who could not afford to come into town.

"There are still a limited number of spaces so even people who are willing to pay can't always find a space. Those issues are still very much alive.

"Let's just hope it's a sign of things to come."

Gareth Jones, from Chippenham's Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are very pleased the council has acknowledged the importance of available parking in the town over the vital Christmas shopping period. It will no doubt benefit the town."

Councillor Chuck Berry, lead member for car parking, added: "We have taken this very positive step to help support the local business economy by encouraging people to shop locally.

"We now hope everyone will make use of their local shopping facilities during the busy festive period".