Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has confirmed it will introduce free Saturday parking in the run-up to Christmas, providing a fresh seasonal boost for businesses and shoppers.
The free Saturday parking scheme kicks off on Saturday December 3, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, 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.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Garath Keating, said: “From Keady to Dromore and from Portadown to Tynan, 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.”
The free Saturday parking scheme kicks off as part of ‘Small Business Saturday’, which is actively supported by the council.
Encouraging shoppers to ‘shop local’ this Christmas, the UK-wide ‘Small Business Saturday’ 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 Keating added: “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.”
For more information on what’s on and when this festive season across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, visit www.ourstoryofchristmas.com.
Picture: Lord Mayor Garath Keating, drives home the message of free Saturday parking in the borough to festive shoppers.
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