00:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Newport, and there's an early present
00:05for shoppers.
00:06The City Council has confirmed that parking will be free on Saturdays at seven council-owned
00:10car parks in the run-up to Christmas.
00:12The scheme launched this weekend on November 15th to tie in with the city's big countdown
00:17to Christmas event, which includes the light switch on by pop star Peter Andre.
00:21The initiative covers some of Newport's busiest parking spots, including Emlyn Street, Faulkner
00:26Road, Hill Street, Kingsway, Park Square, Riverfront and Stowhill.
00:30It'll run for seven consecutive Saturdays, including the final weekend before Christmas,
00:35but doesn't include Friars Walk car park which is privately owned.
00:38The move is expected to cost around £40,000 in lost parking income, but the council says
00:43it can fund it through a budget underspend, calling it an investment in the city centre's
00:47retail and leisure economy.
00:49Newport's Mayor and Labour councillor Kate Thomas, who represents the city centre, welcomed
00:53the decision, saying it shows the council's commitment to supporting local shops and businesses
00:58over the festive period.
00:59But not everyone is entirely satisfied with the plans.
01:02Conservative councillor and opposition leader Matthew Evans said he very much welcomes the
01:06free parking, calling it a step in the right direction, but not everyone is entirely satisfied
01:10with the plans.
01:11Conservative councillor and opposition leader Matthew Evans said he very much welcomes the
01:15free parking, calling it a step in the right direction, but he wants the council to
01:18go further by offering two free hours on weekdays as well.
01:22However, the councillors ruled out those options saying it would be unaffordable, and that offering
01:26free all-day parking on Saturdays gives people the best chance to enjoy everything the city
01:30centre has to offer, from shopping to dining to the Christmas market.
01:34The hope now is that free parking and festive fun draw people into Newport's high streets
01:38and help give businesses the seasonal boost they very much need.
01:41James Peach Watkins, reporting for Local TV.
01:44James Peach Watkins.
01:50�
Comments