Parking on Telford & Wrekin Council’s five main car parks that serve the Ironbridge Gorge is now free for the next few weeks to encourage more visitors on the run up to Christmas.
The temporary suspension has been introduced as a measure to support high streets businesses in the area facing a challenging time.
Two flooding events in quick succession, just as the Christmas shopping period begins has meant a loss in trade.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, (Lab) Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Sustainability said: “Businesses across the Gorge and down into Jackfield are being repeatedly affected by not only flood water from the river but also surface water flooding. If traders are not affected directly, the impacts are far reaching stopping supplies or customers getting to them.
“Suspending car park charges is a small but important step. It’s vital that we support businesses however we can.”
From Monday, December 16 up to an including Boxing Day, five main car parks offering 250 spaces will have charges temporarily suspended including:
- The Square, Ironbridge
- The Wharfage
- Waterloo Street
- Central
- Dale End
Councillor Ollie Vickers, (Lab) Cabinet Member for the Economy said: “Flooding can be devastating for small businesses which are integral to so many people’s lives in the Ironbridge Gorge which is why we always encourage people to visit especially when the flood barriers go up.
“The barriers themselves can make getting around the Ironbridge more difficult and this year footfall has reduced. We hope this small action will bring shoppers back to Ironbridge and give business a boost.”
The council also supports high streets through its ‘Pride in Our High Street’ programme which continues to revitalise high streets across the borough and support local businesses and communities.
Since the programme launched in 2015, the council has invested £7.6m, awarded 367 business grants, created 388 new jobs and helped 65 businesses to open in previously empty units.
Find out more about the Pride in Our High Street programme and the funding support which is available for businesses here: https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20715/pride_in_our_high_street/4043/grants
