Shoppers will be in for an early Christmas treat with free parking coming into operation in each Saturday in December.
On Saturday 2th, 9th, 16th and 23rd all council-owned and operated off-street pay and display car parks will be free to use.
Some 1,569 pay and display parking spaces in the borough’s largest town centres will be free to use every Saturday in the run-up to Christmas courtesy of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The free parking initiative aims to support businesses, in particular retailers and hospitality providers, to take full advantage of the busy festive period by boosting end of year sales, while at the same time enticing shoppers to stay on longer and enjoy the borough’s festive offerings whether they are shopping, dining out or socialising with family and friends.
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The free parking initiative will operate in 15 off-street car parks in Armagh (Dobbin Street Lane, Friary Road East, Linenhall Street and Lonsdale Road), Banbridge (Bridge Street East, Commercial Road, Downshire Place and Townsend Street), Lurgan (Castle Lane and Waring Street 3) and Portadown (Magowan Buildings, Marley Street, Meadow Lane West, West Street, and William Street).
With the council managing an additional 34 non-paying car parks across the borough, this brings the total number of free parking spaces to 3,472 in these towns as well as Dromore, Gilford, Keady, Markethill, Tandragee and Rathfriland. Parking is free on Sundays.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Gareth Wilson, welcomed the return of free parking saying: “The free parking initiative has proven effective in previous years because it works in everyone’s favour.
“It’s an added incentive that increases visitor numbers much to the satisfaction of businesses and offers greater convenience for shoppers who can enjoy a more relaxed experience without having to frequently check the time or be concerned
about having enough change to pay for parking.”
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Signs will be affixed to ticket machines in council’s pay and display car parks to remind shoppers that they can avail of the free parking on the above dates.
Shoppers and businesses are advised that the free parking initiative does not apply to car parks managed and operated by other providers.
Sadly, the initiative will not be available for tomorrow’s Georgian Day festivities in the city.
For a full list of council-owned car parks, visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
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