Carmarthen to benefit from three days of free parking before Christmas


Carmarthen will benefit from three days of free parking.
The Carmarthen Town Forum Sub-Group has asked the council for three free parking days on Friday, November 27, Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29.
The council provides five days free parking for towns across the county each financial year outside the month of December to help stimulate trade during the quieter trading periods.
Carmarthen has not taken any so far this year and at a recent sub-group meeting the idea of having a three-day free parking weekend was discussed.
Friday, November 27 is the biggest internet shopping day of the year when retailers reduce prices to kick-start the gift-buying season. It is estimated that around £1billion will be spent on that day in the UK alone.
The group is hoping to attract shoppers into town instead to support traders, creating a welcoming, feel-good atmosphere. They will be calling it the “Bright Friday Festival / Gŵyl Gwener Golau.”
The Christmas lights will already be switched on, but individual traders will be urged to use festive white lights to really make it a bright weekend in town.
Executive Board member for Transport Cllr Hazel Evans, who approved the free parking days, said: “I hope that people take advantage of this. I would urge shoppers to hold back from shopping on the internet until they see what Carmarthen has to offer.”
The ticket machines in the council’s car parks will not be required on those three days.
Carmarthen councillor Alun Lenny said: “As well as major stores that offer a ‘click and collect’ service at competitive prices, we have a large number of small shops selling goods and gifts that are not available on the Internet. On Friday and Saturday, people will be able to shop without having to worry about rushing back to the car park before the ticket time runs out.
“On the Sunday, perhaps people will take advantage of free parking to have lunch in one of the town’s many splendid hotels and restaurants, and a more leisurely browse around the shops. It’s also the first Sunday in Advent, and an appropriate day to attend a church or chapel service, so as to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
“Footfall will be monitored over the three-day period."
Business leaders in the town have welcomed the move.
Chairman of the Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Commerce Neil James said: “I'm extremely happy that the council provides up to five free days during the year. Any measure which helps counteract internet shopping is very welcome indeed.
“I hope that chamber members will now make a special effort to brighten up shop windows with extra lights over the weekend.”

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