Free parking is scrapped

There will be no free parking on car parks in Cannock Chase in the run up to Christmas as cash-strapped council bosses look to save money.

The news will deliver a body blow to shoppers and town centre businesses in Cannock and Rugeley who are facing the worst Christmas shopping period for 25 years as families feel the financial pinch.

Providing free parking on the last two Saturdays before Christmas would cost the council £12,000.

Council leader Neil Stanley today said there would be some help for businesses but he said the council was still working on its plans, which will be unveiled on Thursday at the cabinet meeting.

He said: "There won't be the free parking on Saturdays but we are going to do something.

"We are still looking at the options but its about getting the balance right between cost and encouraging people to shop so local businesses feel the benefit."

Natal Chapman, manager at Cannock Shopping Centre, said: "I am sure not having any free parking will affect trade in the town centre. Most of our car parking near the shopping centre is council parking so we need to do everything we can to encourage people to come in."

Mike Chatwin, from Chatwin's Jewellers added: "When I first came to Cannock 30 years ago it was one of the few places that still had free parking and I do think people were drawn in because of that. The free parking before Christmas was certainly a well received gesture and I don't think it should be withdrawn.

"This is something that should certainly be done this year because things are tougher than ever. In the grand scheme of things it isn't a lot of money to the council."

A survey carried out by the CBI has revealed high street retailers are experiencing the worst slump in sales for 25 years.