Council offers free parking on December Saturdays

Published on 3 December 2020

Picking up Christmas gifts and goodies will be top of many of our 'to do' lists as shops and businesses across the Moorlands re-open - and the Council is offering free parking on Saturdays this month to help make that a little easier.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council offers five days free parking a year in its off-street car parks and the Town Councils in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek decide when they want to use them to support events and key activities in the towns.

Cheadle and Leek Town Councils have decided, once again, to use some of these days in the build-up to Christmas and parking will be free on Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 December this year. Drivers won't need to display a ticket on these dates.

Biddulph Town Council hasn't yet confirmed when it plans to use the free days.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the District Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "December Saturdays are always key calendar dates for local shops and business but this year they have taken on an extra significance as we come out of the second national Covid lockdown.

"It's a welcome boost to our town centres that non-essential shops and services can now re-open so people can shop locally for their seasonal gifts and treats and we're encouraging everyone to take advantage of that.

"It will really make a difference to our local economy and show our hard-working, resilient businesses how much we appreciate the efforts they've made to re-open safely.

"We're delighted to be able to support shoppers and traders by offering free parking and we're looking forward to welcoming people back to our high streets in the busy build-up to the big day. But Covid has not gone away and we all need to remain vigilant so please remember to wear a face covering and stay apart from others when shopping - let's look after each other this Christmas."