Christmas boost plan for Walsall town centre
Date Published : 09 September 2008
Generous Walsall Council highways bosses could hand shoppers an early Christmas present thanks to a plan to offer free car parking places.
Councillor Anthony Harris, cabinet member for transport, revealed around 8,000 car parking spaces in Walsall town centre and district centres could be offered free of charge to motorists over the festive period as part of proposals.
Detailed plans are now to be drawn-up as part of a bid to ease life for shoppers across the borough in the current economic climate.
Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “We know that things are tough for people at the moment because of the credit crunch and we understand that.
“People are worried about household bills and how to make a good Christmas and New Year for their families.
“What we are looking to do is offer some early festive cheer to the town centre by offering free car parking over the Christmas and New Year period.
“Our hardworking businesses and our shoppers are the lifeblood of the town centre and we want to put a smile on people’s faces.”
As part of proposals, at least six days of free car parking could be offered over the festive period at more than 20 Walsall Council-owned town centre and district centre car parks.
The town centre has around 1,300 council-operated pay and display car parking spaces.
Over a six day period a combined total of around 7,800 free parking spaces could be offered as part of the proposal.
Councillor Harris added: “I’ve asked officers to draw-up proposals and I have the support of the Tory group on Walsall Council on this.
“We’ll also be speaking with the owners of private car parks. We want to invite them to join forces and form a coalition of car park operators to deliver an even bigger festive boost at a time where people are under pressure because of the economy.
“Shoppers, businesses and motorists have been very patient with us while the ring road construction work is taking place and we thank them for that.
“If we are able to deliver this free Christmas and New Year car parking then this will be a way to give them something back at a tough time of year.”
No dates have been finalised at this stage and people have been urged to keep up to date by following the local media and www.walsall.gov.uk, he added.