In December, shoppers in south Norfolk’s market towns are being offered extra free parking in pay and display car parks. On Saturdays, visitors will receive two hours of free parking instead of the usual one hour. Additionally, on all other days in December, parking will be free after 4pm. This initiative is aimed at encouraging people to shop locally and support the local retailers, ultimately boosting the economy and creating more jobs in the area.
South Norfolk Council’s cabinet member for the economy, Lisa Overton-Neal, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraging the growth of the high streets. She highlighted the presence of fantastic independent shops in the market towns, offering a wide range of products such as jewelry, chocolates, craft kits, art, books, games, bikes, and toys. Overton-Neal pointed out that by shopping locally, people can not only find unique and high-quality gifts but also receive valuable advice from the knowledgeable retailers on the best products for themselves or for gifting to others.
The initiative to provide additional free parking aims to incentivize shoppers to visit and spend time in the local market towns, as well as to directly support the retailers during the Christmas season. By extending the free parking hours on Saturdays, the council hopes to encourage more people to shop locally, ultimately contributing to the growth of the local economy and the community. This initiative aligns with the goal of fostering a thriving and vibrant high street, and the council hopes that it will help to create a positive impact on the local businesses and the overall economy.
Overall, the additional free parking hours in south Norfolk’s market towns during December are part of a deliberate effort to promote and support local businesses. By providing extra incentives for shoppers to visit the market towns and spend time browsing the local shops, the council aims to encourage community members to support the local economy and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the high streets.
