Free parking to help boost festive trade

The free Saturday parking scheme kicks off on Saturday, and runs until Saturday, December 17. Parking is already free on Sundays.

Shoppers and businesses are being advised to note that during the festive season, the free Saturday parking offer applies only to council-owned and operated car parks and off-street pay-and-display parking areas.

One of the busiest shopping days of the year, this Saturday is also ‘Small Business Saturday’ which is actively supported by the council.

Encouraging shoppers to ‘shop local’ this Christmas, the UK-wide initiative aims to highlight the importance of our home-grown local business success stories and encourages consumers in towns, villages and cities to support their independence and diversity, value and choice on offer.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Garath Keating, said: “The run-up to Christmas is a critically-important time for businesses everywhere across the borough and we are absolutely committed to supporting our local retailers during this key time.

“With free parking an added bonus, complementing the great shopping and exciting programme of festive entertainment available across the borough, there’s every reason to get out, shop local and enjoy our towns and villages this Christmas.

“There are plenty of parking options available so you can spend longer enjoying your visit. Independent traders make a tremendous contribution to our town and village centres. Let’s make Small Business Saturday a borough-wide celebration of our local independent business success and the value they add to the character of our communities.”