A series of initiatives are being launched to improve parking for visitors to the town and boost trade during the credit crunch.
From next week shoppers will be able to enjoy free parking in some of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council’s car parks every Wednesday from 2pm.
A petition signed by up to 3,000 shoppers was presented to SABC councillors calling for the introduction of free car parking on Sundays, but the decision was made to restrict free car parking to Wednesdays starting on September 3.
Frankwell main car park, Abbey Foregate and St Julian’s Friars will be free of charge until December 31 which will cover late night Christmas shopping.
Councillor David Roberts, portfolio holder for Destination Shrewsbury, said: “Destination Shrewsbury will be working with retail businesses on promotions to attract more shoppers and visitors to Shrewsbury in the key trading period leading up to Christmas.
“We hope to attract new shoppers to Shrewsbury from the wider catchment area and believe that this incentive will help. In a difficult economic climate we want to do all we can to help local businesses.”
Two town centre car parks are being given a new surface and lining over the next few weeks as part of ongoing maintenance.
St Julian’s Friars will be closed on Sundays September 7 and 14, and Abbey Foregate lower car park will be resurfaced over a two-week period starting on Monday, September 1, but car parking bays will still be available for motorists as normal in the upper level.
It is planned to keep disruption to a minimum but there will be sufficient capacity overall in other town centre car parks and Park and Ride to ensure all motorists find a space.
An SABC spokesman said: “After the resurfacing has been completed there will be a week without white lines to allow the surface to bed-in. Car park staff will be on hand to assist motorists.”
See also ‘Parkright review - Now have your say’.
