Mid Devon Liberal Democrats to Provide More Free Parking than Ever Before this Christmas Season
Liberal Democrat-led Mid Devon District Council is spreading the festive cheer by offering more free parking than ever before in council-run car parks this Christmas season.
The free parking initiative will be applicable at Crediton's St Saviour's Way Car Park, Cullompton's Station Road Car Park, and Tiverton's multi-storey car park.
Councillor Luke Taylor, Leader of Mid Devon Council, said, "We are supporting businesses more than ever in the run up to Christmas, with our aim to encourage residents to support local businesses and boost trade in Mid Devon's market towns during a key trading period. We believe that free parking on selected Saturdays during the Christmas season will make it more convenient for people to shop locally and bring more visitors into our town centres to enjoy some holiday cheer.”
The 24-hour free parking aligns with various Christmas events in town centres and will be available in the Council's long-stay car parks during the following Saturdays in November & December:
Regular parking charges will apply on all other days at these car parks.
Councillor Taylor continued, “We hope this initiative will invigorate our district's high streets, allowing visitors to explore and shop in the diverse range of shops our district offers. Our free parking offer also coincides with town's Christmas light switch- on events for the first time ever to encourage as many people in the wider community to attend.”
Councillor John Downes, Chair of the Council’s Economic Policy Group, stated, "This Christmas season, our free parking initiative aims to encourage people to support local businesses and shops in our town centres. By checking the times and locations where free parking is available, you can plan your visit, discover unique gitis from local businesses, and get started on your Christmas shopping. Our town centres also host fantastic events, and we hope that free parking will save visitors money during these challenging times."
Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, added, "We're delighted to offer free parking in the lead-up to Christmas once again. Celebrating the holiday season allows our local businesses to provide a delightful shopping experience for all visitors, showcasing the best our market towns have to offer."
Councillor Buczkowski encouraged people to support the local economy, saying, "The festive season is a crucial time for our local high streets. This year, we've reintroduced free parking to support local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to shop in Mid Devon. We hope everyone enjoys what our towns and markets have to offer, whether it's picking up Christmas gifts or enjoying some festive fare."
He emphasised the importance of supporting small local businesses, saying, "Small local businesses may face greater challenges, and we should all do our part by spending in our area whenever we can. This initiative has been introduced with the support of the council's car park working group, made up of community stakeholders, and follows our earlier commitment to review car parking charges in the district, with a focus on fairness to local residents and ensuring economically vibrant high streets.”
Liberal Democrat Councillors, representing Crediton residents, have called on Devon County Council to withdraw its plan to introduce paid parking on Crediton High Street.
