Christmas has come early for shoppers, visitors and businesses in Mendip this year.
Mendip District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to once again to provide free car parking in the run up to Christmas and on New Year’s Day. Free Christmas parking has been running for many years and will include all of the council’s pay and display car parks. There is a slight change to the offering this year in order to benefit the towns running Mendip Christmas Markets.
As in previous years car parks across Mendip will suspend charges with the free period starting on Wednesday 19 December and will last until Monday 24 December in Frome, Glastonbury, Street and Wells.
The aim of offering the free parking in the run up to Christmas is to encourage shoppers to spend their money in the district’s many and varied businesses during the Christmas period and to benefit those planning a visit to the Wells or Shepton Mallet Christmas Market.
However, the council is warning shoppers that the time restrictions will still be enforced in areas where parking is only allowed for a specified time.
Motorists are advised to check price boards in car parks for restrictions. These time restrictions will remain in place to ensure that everyone has a fair chance of benefiting from free parking.
Cllr Tom Killen, Mendip District Council’s Deputy Leader, said, “We really want to support Christmas shopping in Mendip and support the markets that are taking place in both Wells and Shepton Mallet.
“The aim of the free Christmas parking scheme is to help encourage shoppers into Mendip and spread trade across the day, we hope that residents and visitors take advantage or this gesture and support our local businesses.”
For more information, visit www.mendip.gov.uk
