Shoppers will be able to take advantage of free parking in Carlisle during the run-up to Christmas.
Carlisle City Council said free parking will be available on Thursdays after 3pm in December at Bitts Park; Lowther Street; Caldew Riverside; Viaduct; The Sands; Swifts Bank and West Walls
Portfolio holder for environment and transport, Councillor Nigel Christian, said: “I think it’s going to help and that’s the aim, to try and give people a bit of a boost and the city centre a boost as well.”
He said there are signs that the city’s businesses were rebuilding after the impact of COVID-19. “We’ve certainly seen car parking going up, that’s a mixed blessing but it’s good people are coming into the city centre.”
It is estimated that offering free parking on December 2, 9, 16 and 23 will cost the city council £10,000.
Portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, Cllr Stephen Higgs, said that much was planned for the city centre, positive news for the business and hospitality industries.
He said: “The tree is up and the city centre lights are on as of this weekend just gone, and there’s a Discover Carlisle website with a huge list of the various events happening in the next month or so.
“Our primary aim is to drive footfall into the city centre. I know that after all we’ve been through over the last 18 months, all the businesses in Carlisle are aware of their responsibility in everybody’s safety.”
The success of events like the Hawker Festival have given cause for optimism on the road out of Covid-19.
Coun Higgs said: “The City of Lights event in mid-October got lots of positive feedback which was nice because it was a big thing to set up.”
