Free Christmas parking plan to help boost Bridgnorth shops
Free parking could be brought in to Bridgnorth in the run up to Christmas to help encourage more shoppers and boost trade, it has been revealed.
The idea has been raised by the newly-formed Bridgnorth Traders Association. The group's chairman James Gittins has held provisional talks over introducing free or reduced rate parking with officials at Shropshire Council.
The group has been set up amid concerns over a slump in weekday trade in Bridgnorth, and aims to act as a direct link between market stallholders, shop owners and both Shropshire Council and Bridgnorth Town Council.
Mr Gittins, who also sits on the town council, said the group's ideas had received a positive response from council officers.
He said: "Our main goal is to increase footfall in the town seven days a week, not just on Saturdays.
"We have already been in talks with Shropshire Council about the idea of having free parking for one day over Christmas, or at least at a reduced rate.
"The council was very helpful and seemed keen to organise something during the run up to Christmas.
"We want everyone to work together for the good of the town and we hope to hold monthly meetings going forward.
"Invitations have been sent out to all market traders and a monthly letter, called The Voice, will also be distributed.
"We want to hear the views of all stallholders and several organisations have already come up with a few ideas.
"So far it will be myself running the group as chairman and we plan to have a vice-chairman in place soon. We have got eight people involved but a lot more businesses have also shown an interest.
"After our first meeting will present our proper constitution and elect proper officers. We want to get as many people on board as possible.
"I did a tour of the town on Monday and there was lots of local support for this venture, from large and small companies.
"It's important to have this link between the traders and the councils. At the moment it seems getting the information across is proving to be difficult."
Bridgnorth Traders Association's first meeting will be held in the town hall on November 2, from 7pm.
Anyone interested in joining the group can call Councillor Gittins on 07814 138062 or email [email protected]