Free Sunday parking offered in run-up to Christmas

The image shows the exterior of a multi-story car park named Crown Car Park. The building features a distinctive architectural design with a facade made of gold-coloured lattice panels arranged in a geometric pattern, creating a textured and modern appearance. The panels are mounted on a metal framework that curves slightly, giving the structure a dynamic look. At the entrance, there is a large black sign with bold letters spelling CROWN, accompanied by a smaller white sign that reads CAR PARK. The entrance is wide enough for two lanes, with yellow and black clearance bars overhead indicating height restrictions. Several traffic signs are visible, including speed limits and warnings, and two orange-and-white traffic cones are placed near the entry point. Inside the entrance, a dark-coloured vehicle is partially visible, along with ticket machines and barriers for controlled access.Alice Cunningham/BBC

Parking on Sundays at Crown Car Park will be free for the next six weeks

Alice Cunningham
in Ipswich

A council is offering free Sunday parking for the next six weeks in the run-up to Christmas.

Ipswich Borough Council will waive charges at Crown Car Park on Claude Street every Sunday until 21 December.

It will be in place from 10:00 GMT on Sundays until 08:00 the next day.

Stuart Colder, who owns cafe BonBon Chocolate on the Buttermarket, welcomed the move from the council.

Stuart Calder, a middle-aged man with short grey hair and glasses, is pictured standing in the doorway of a cafe. He is wearing a buttoned orange shirt. Behind him the door can be seen which is slightly blurred.Alice Cunningham/BBC

Stuart Calder said the free parking initiative would need to be communicated well to benefit businesses

"Any help we can get to get people into the town centre is welcome," he told Sarah Lilley at BBC Radio Suffolk.

"It is about the communication, making sure it is available."

He added that while Christmas was a busier period for the cafe, it did not have the "same effect as pubs and restaurants because people don't really go to a cafe for a Christmas party".

"[Trade] is not too bad, it's slowly picking up," he added.

The image shows Jenny Needham standing in front of a wall decorated with multiple framed artworks. The artworks feature vibrant, retro-style illustrations, including stylized portraits, bold typography, and colourful motifs such as rainbows and candy. One prominent piece in the centre depicts a person holding a red-and-white lollipop. The frames vary in size and are arranged in a neat grid pattern, creating a visually appealing backdrop. She wears a black short-sleeved top with a subtle textured pattern and a necklace with a small pendant.Jamie Niblock/BBC

Jenny Needham owns Threads for All, which sells new and vintage clothing in The Walk, and she agreed with Mr Colder.

"It is always one of the things that our customers mention — the cost of parking and actually being able to access the town easily," she said.

"Anything they do to make that easier for customers... I think we're all very aware that people have less money to spend, and anything that is free that involves the town centre is a win for us."

While she said that trade on Sundays had "always been good" for the shop, she hoped the free parking would bring new people into the town.

A council spokesperson said: "Whether you're out Christmas shopping, enjoying a festive brunch, or soaking up the holiday atmosphere, we've got your parking covered.

"Make the most of stress free Sundays in Ipswich this festive season, shop local, explore the town, and enjoy everything Ipswich has to offer!"

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