Island shoppers will be able to park for free in council-run long-stay car parks this Saturday afternoon (6th December) as part of a campaign to support local businesses.
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that all its long-stay car parks will be free between 12:00 and 18:00 in celebration of Small Business Saturday.
Pier Square car park in Yarmouth – managed by the council on behalf of Yarmouth Harbour Commission – will also be free for the entire day.
Extra free parking in Ventnor
Ventnor Town Council has agreed free, all-day parking in Pound Lane, Market Street and Dudley Road car parks on Saturday 6 December and Saturday 13 December.
The initiative is part of the nationwide Small Business Saturday campaign, which aims to boost high street footfall and encourage shoppers to support independent traders.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said:
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities.
Article continues below this advertisement “This is a great opportunity for people to explore what’s on their doorstep and support the traders who make our towns and villages unique.
“Free parking makes it easier for everyone to get involved and enjoy what the Island has to offer.”
Shopping locally is more than just convenient, it helps keep money circulating within the Island economy, supports local jobs, and strengthens the character of our high streets.
Every pound spent with an independent business makes a real difference to the community.
Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign that champions independent businesses and encourages shoppers to ‘think local’. Many businesses take part by offering special deals or hosting events.
Further details about car parks can be found on the council’s website, and more information about the campaign is available at: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/
It’s a great shame all the reasons given for the high street local shopping support weren’t taken into account when the big supermarkets applied to build out of town.
Unless food shopping can move back into town, the decline will continue.
The problem with smaller stores like Sainsbury locals
etc, they charge much more than the large Sainsbury store
they also don’t offer the same deals.
just be careful that the carpark you use is one of the listed ‘long-stay’ carparks!!
they’ve done this before & then fined people for parking for free because they mistakenly used the wrong carpark….
Newport will be like the ghost of shopping past.
Too little to late, most businesses have already
wrapped up.
They should provide free parking all year round and
scrap the nightly charge of £2