Wrexham Town Centre Gets Some Free Festive Car Parking

‘Wrexham is open for business’, this was the message sent out by councillors who voted in favour of free festive car parking in the town centre.

Members of the Executive Board today voted unanimously in favour of free Saturday car parking in the town centre throughout December.

The free Saturday car parking coincides with Small Business Saturday, which takes place on December 6th. On this particular Saturday there will be free car parking available in all Council run car parks in the town centre, to help support the event and local businesses.

Speaking at the meeting earlier, Lead Member for Environment, Councillor David A Bithell said: “This report sends out a clear message that Wrexham is open for businesses and is supportive to businesses in this economic situation.

“This goes some way to support them and Wrexham. On the 5th of December the Coca Cola truck is coming to town as well, there are a series of events planned for Wrexham.”

Free car parking will also be available for Christmas shoppers on Saturday the 13th and 20th December in the People’s Market. From January 5th 2015 the all day rate for parking at the People’s Market multi storey car park will be reduced £3 rate to £2.

The report was commended by members of the Executive Board, with Councillor Hugh Jones calling the recommendation as a ‘great initiative for Wrexham’.

Cllr Jones added: “There is a great indication that car parking charges have an impact on businesses. The report shows Wrexham are supportive of retail and businesses in Wrexham.”

Councillor Neil Rogers echoed Cllr Jones’ comments, adding: “This is an opportunity to promote Wrexham and show commitment from the local authority. Wrexham is a great place to shop and I hope the town and businesses do well after this project.”

However Councillor Andrew Bailey queried the impact the free parking in the town centre would have on businesses away from the town. Cllr Bailey added: “One risk that hasn’t been identified is that not all small businesses work and reside in the town centre.

“I wouldn’t want an attraction in the town centre to detract away from them. It is a hard world out there and they need to compete against each other. Could some assessment be made to out of town centre?

“I can anticipate phone calls saying we have lost business to the town centre.”

Cllr Bithell said: “I take on board question, but we only charge in the town centre, so not sure what the answer to your question would be. It’s difficult to assess.”

Car parking has been a notorious subject in the town over the past few months – with parking increases in the town centre car parks receiving strong criticism from locals.

In October 2013 members of the Executive Board voted in favour of raising the parking charges, with fees increasing up to 100% in some council run car parks.

Over recent months there have been requests from town centre traders and shoppers for changes to be made to the car parking prices, with the subject being a regular hot topic of debate in the monthly Town Centre Forum meetings.

Cllr Bithell added: “There is a clear message that that Wrexham is open for Christmas and we support the local economy. We need to deal with this as an urgent item of business and ensure everything in place in run up to Christmas.”

(Pictured above: Waterworld car park prior to the car parking increases from 2011/12 – note prices and stay length!)