Free Cotswold parking gesture gives stores a festive boost

Shoppers are being given free use of all Cotswold District Council-owned car parks on every Saturday in December in a festive gesture aimed at boosting the local economy.
Council Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe announced the move following news of further gloom on the High Street which shows retail spending has plummeted.

Cllr Stowe said: “Although the Council is facing its own tough financial challenges, we want to do something to spread a little Christmas cheer in the Cotswolds. This will help both shoppers and businesses and is our way of putting back into the local economy some of the limited amount the Council will save following the recent changes in VAT rates. There’s no need for people to travel out of the Cotswolds to shop. We have just about everything anyone could possibly want for Christmas, so let’s support our local businesses.”

Cllr Mark Tufnell, Portfolio holder for the Environment, said:  “By offering free parking on every Saturday in December, we hope to encourage more people to spend more time – and money - in the stores in our market towns. I hope the move will encourage visitors from the surrounding area to spend their cash locally.”

The Council-owned car parks where parking charges are suspended on December 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th are:

• Cirencester: The Abbey Grounds, Brewery, Beeches, Waterloo, Forum, Cotswold Leisure Centre, Sheep Street, Old Station & Lorry Park.
• Tetbury: West Street & Old Brewery Lane
• Stow-on-the-Wold: Maugersbury Road
• Bourton-on-the-Water: Rissington Road
• Moreton-in-Marsh: Station Road

The Council also owns car parks at the Railyard, Tetbury, and the Fosseway, Stow (next to Tesco) at which no charge is levied permanently.

Source: Cotswold District Council