Gwynedd Council has announced that council-run car parks will be free again this year over the festive period.
As part of the ongoing campaign to encourage people to support local shops and businesses on the traditional high street, those stocking up on Christmas foods and gifts, and going to festive celebrations, can park for free from Saturday, December 12. Fees will be charged as normal from Sunday, December 27.
Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said: “This initiative has been popular year on year and a survey we carried out showed that traders and shoppers believed it helped the local economy. That’s why we have announced the decision once again this year, at a cost of £40,000 to the Council.
“By encouraging people to shop locally we can help reduce the number of people travelling outside the county to do their shopping. Not only does this benefit the economy but is also good news for the environment as we can cut down on congestion.”
Councillor Mandy Williams-Davies, the Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for the economy, said: “As a Council, we have for some time been promoting a ‘Buy Local’ scheme, and I’m delighted that the Council is once again able to give a festive boost to the traditional high street with the festive parking. We have listened to the business community who told us that free parking attracts more customers and leads to an increase in trade at this crucial time of year.
“I hope that Gwynedd’s residents make the most of the fantastic shopping opportunities available on our doorstep and keep the benefit local this Christmas.”
This year, Gwynedd Council will also be supporting Small Business Saturday to encourage residents to support the county’s small businesses. As part of the campaign, free parking will also be available in Gwynedd Council car parks on 5 December.
Gwynedd Council’s Small Business Champion, Councillor Sian Gwenllian noted: “Small local businesses are the backbone of Gwynedd’s economy, and as a Council we are committed to doing everything we can to support them.
“I am pleased that parking will be free in Council car parks on December 5 to note Small Business Saturday, as well as in the run-up to Christmas.
“Our message is clear – make the most of the free parking and get shopping in Gwynedd. It’s the ideal time to support local businesses and to find all kinds of wonderful gift ideas, fantastic local produce and places to eat and drink to celebrate the festivities.”
If you have any community events planned during the run up to Christmas, contact the Council via Facebook – www.facebook.com/CyngorGwyneddCouncil or @CyngorGwynedd on Twitter with the details, they can share them through social media to help to promote them.
