Ashby, Scunthorpe and Brigg free parking deal praised

SHOPPERS are continuing to save money on their car parking, thanks to the Scunthorpe Telegraph's Go To Town scheme.

We have joined forces with North Lincolnshire Council for the free parking initiative, which is running for two months.

It means motorists can take advantage of free weekend parking after 9.30am in council pay and display car parks across Ashby, Brigg and Scunthorpe.

That comes in addition to two hours free parking at The Parishes multi-storey car park in Scunthorpe.

The campaign aims to encourage shoppers to use their local town centres in the busy Christmas and New Year period. And it has been welcomed by weekend shoppers in Ashby and Brigg.

Wendy Shadlock, 51, of Ashby, said: "I think it will come in really handy in the run-up to Christmas.

"We already had an hour free in Ashby, which you don't get at most car parks.

"But if it is free all day, then it is really good.

"I think it will get more people into the town centres if they don't have to pay for parking."

Teresa Woad, 37, also of Ashby, supported the scheme too.

She said: "You sometimes end up rushing when you have only got one hour of parking.

"This will definitely help. It needs to be promoted and circulated by word of mouth.

"Ashby is a good, prime area with a lot of businesses.

"Before, people were trying to find an hour to do an errand but it was an inconvenience."

Richard Renshaw, owner of the Renshaw & Sons shoe repair and key cutting shop on Broadway in Ashby, said longer free parking was important.

He said: "The car parks are generally pay and display, so people don't spend that much time in Ashby. It is definitely better towards Christmas.

"We tried to tell people about the free hour and that made a difference but it was still only an hour."

The scheme has also proved a hit with shoppers and businesses in Brigg.

The town had already benefited from two hours free parking in its council car parks but shoppers are now able to stay for longer without paying.

Lisa Buckingham, 38, of Barnetby, said she supported the Telegraph's scheme.

She said: "It is really good.

"It is not that often that we go into town but it is brilliant for people who go into town a lot.

"I hope it will bring people into town because most shop at supermarkets or retail parks.

"Free parking is helpful."

Simon Nicholson, 42, also of Barnetby, said: "If you know you can go and park for free, it makes a big difference.

"I park in Scunthorpe a lot and it has got to help."

Paul Keane, owner of the Grandad's Shed furniture shop on Wrawby Street, said: "I think it is a great idea and anything that drums business up in Brigg or Scunthorpe is brilliant – it is nice to see.

"It has brought people in and we are always busy in Brigg anyway. It is booming.

"I think this will definitely create a bit of foot-flow and if parking is free, then people are going to come."

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