Car parks owned by Allerdale council will be offering free parking after 3pm each Thursday in the run-up to Christmas to help encourage people to shop local and support town centre businesses.
Starting today, the free parking offer will also run on December 17 and December 24.
The council hopes that by introducing the offer it will help support late-night shopping initiatives in the borough and further encourage residents and visitors to support businesses in Allerdale this Christmas.
The initiative will be available in any council-owned car parks which are normally pay and stay.
These are:
- Workington: Udale Street, Ladies Walk, Elizabeth Street, Brow Top, Central Station, Allerdale House and Workington MSCP
- Cockermouth: Fairfield, Bitterbeck, Memorial Gardens, Sullart Street and Riverside
- Keswick: Bell Close, Otley Road, Central and Lakeside
- Wigton: Water Street
Councillor Tony Markley, executive member for environmental services, said: “We’re firmly encouraging people to shop local this Christmas and support the fantastic businesses we have right across the borough at a time when they need as much help as they can get.
“So to support that cause we’re pleased to be able to offer this free parking initiative as we head towards Christmas and we’d encourage locals and visitors alike to take advantage of the offer.”
Customers should check that the car park is owned by the council before leaving their car.
The initiative is not available in car parks managed by the council on someone else’s behalf, such as in Gray Street, Workington, Keswick’s Rawnsley Hall car park, Derwent Pencil Museum car park or Maryport’s Irish Street car park and South Quay car park.
Time restrictions will still apply at each site and the normal overnight charges will apply from 10pm.
