Free parking boost for Stafford and Stone town centres

The offer aims to encourage more people to shop in both town centres to boost trade for local businesses over the festive season.

Parking charges have been waived for Stafford Borough Council car parks from 1pm on December 10 and from the same time on December 17.

The free parking period applies to all car parks in Stafford and Stone town centres except Riverside and Waterfront car parks in Stafford.

There will be a festive farmers' market in Market Square, Stafford, on December 10 and a craft fair on the same day at the town's Indoor Market.

On December 17 there will be a Christmas Food, Drink and Craft Market in Market Square and festive storytelling and workshops for children at the Indoor Market. Stone town centre hosts its monthly craft market in the High Street on December 17.

The council's cabinet member for planning and regeneration Councillor Frances Beatty said: "Whether people are shopping for gifts, festive food and drink or going for a seasonal lunch, they can do so and not have to pay to park on these two afternoons.

"Both town centres have so much to offer and I urge people in the borough to shop local for Christmas this year."

Stafford Town Centre Partnership chairman Chris Lewis added: "We need to utilise these opportunities and work together to keep our town centre moving forward. It is partnership working such as this that will help make our town attractive to residents, visitors and potential investors."

Most borough council car parks offer cash-free parking throughout the year. Visitors to the town centres can pay for parking using their mobile phones and top it up without having to return to their cars.

Despite the festive reprieve the council put up prices at most of its car parks on November 15, although the authority was quick to point out it was the first increase in eight years.

Two-hour and three-hour stays now cost 10p more than previously.

Fees to stay one hour and four hours remain the same as before while it costs an extra 20p to use a long-stay car park.

The charging time has also changed from up to 6pm to 5.30pm.

The new charges applied to all car parks except Riverside and Waterfront.

For details of where to park in Stafford and Stone town centres visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/carparks.