Free parking to support shoppers and businesses ahead of Christmas

Visitors could be in line to enjoy more free parking in all South Kesteven District Council-run car parks in a bid to boost business in the run-up to the festive period.

This would be in addition to regular free Sunday parking, perfect for SKDC's Grantham Christmas lights switch-on festivities already on the diary for Sunday 1^st December.

On Tuesday, SKDC's Cabinet will be presented with updated proposals for new car park tariffs in Grantham and Stamford following feedback from the public, community groups and other stakeholders.

A one hour's free parking in Grantham short stay car parks every day is being proposed to help stimulate the local economy. Previous plans for Sunday, Bank Holiday and evening charging in Grantham and Stamford are proposed to be discontinued.

In the same meeting Cabinet will be asked to approve for consultation revised increases to parking charges following almost three years without a price rise.

Cllr Richard Cleaver, Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, said: "This positive news shows we have listened to local business and residents, and to the feedback received by our economic development team, as we target further increased footfall across our four busy market towns.

"The plan for some free Christmas parking would help more residents and visitors to enjoy shopping in our four towns ahead of the big day - and support our local businesses at the same time.

"If approved, we hope this will encourage more people to visit our town centres at what we expect to be a very busy period for local businesses, particularly our amazing independent stores.

"We're already doing lots to help businesses across the District, including the provision of training and grants, workshops, economic development campaigns, plus work such as the Market Place renovation in Grantham and financial support for shop front improvements.

"We have so much to offer, with our shops, cafes and other Town Centre attractions so it's great that we can encourage more people to visit with this offer."

If approved, the free Christmas parking would operate each Monday to Wednesday from Monday 2^nd December up to and including Tuesday 24^th December. It would be for two hours in short stay and three hours in long stay car parks.

The free Christmas car parking periods would apply in South Kesteven District Council-owned car parks where charges apply, which are:

Grantham Long Stay: Welham Street

Grantham Short Stay: Guildhall Street; Watergate; Wharf Road; Conduit Lane

Stamford Long Stay: Wharf Road; Cattle Market

Stamford Short Stay: North Street; Bath Row; St Leonard's Street; Scotgate

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