Gwynedd Council has decided to provide free parking at its car parks in the run-up to Christmas.
As part of its campaign to encourage Gwynedd residents to shop locally and to take advantage of the variety of Christmas gifts on offer in the county, the Council will provide free parking at its car parks between 12 December and 27 December 2011.
Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said:
“Gwynedd’s small shops and businesses are the backbone of our local economy. As a Council we are committed to doing everything we can to help and support them during the current challenging financial climate.
“Shopkeepers and business owners have told us that free parking in the run-up to Christmas helps to attract more customers to the town centres and leads to an increase in business at this crucial time of year.
“Our message again this year is simple – make the most of the free festive parking and get shopping in Gwynedd. It’s the ideal time to support local businesses and to find all kinds of wonderful gift ideas.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for the Environment added:
“As a Council, we have already decided to freeze parking fees at current levels whilst a county-wide parking review is carried out. We are confident that providing free Christmas parking again this year in Council-run car parks will encourage as many people as possible to shop locally and provide a festive boost for Gwynedd traders.
“Shopping locally is good for the economy, the environment and is a great way of developing strong community relationships.”
Councillor John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council Economy and Community Portfolio Leader noted:
“Supporting Gwynedd’s shops is a priority for the Council, and the decision to provide free parking between 12 and 27 December is part of our campaign to encourage local residents to visit our town centres and help Gwynedd’s shops and businesses to have a successful Christmas again this year.”
Gwynedd Council has provided free parking in its car parks for the past three years as part of its campaign to support local companies during the challenging economic climate.
Members of the Gwynedd Council Board supported a recommendation to provide free parking at its car parks over the Christmas period at their meeting on Tuesday, 1 November 2011.
