Businesses welcome festive season free parking

Marc Edden said attracting people into town makes a huge difference to his business

Small businesses have welcomed the introduction of free city centre parking in the run-up to Christmas, saying it will boost trade.

For the first time, Gloucester City Council is allowing motorists to park without charge for three consecutive days from 18-20 December after 15:00 GMT.

Council car parks will also be free on Small Business Saturday on 7 December and after 15:00 GMT on Thursdays until Christmas.

"It really helps because if people have to factor in the price of parking, it could be the tipping point that puts them off and they'll go elsewhere," said Marc Edden, managing director of VRXPerience.

The independent business on Southgate Street provides virtual reality experiences.

"One of the key things for us is people don't really understand what we do unless they see it, so being on the high street passers-by have a glance through the window, see people playing and come in and ask questions," said Mr Edden.

"So getting people into the town makes a huge difference to us."

Small Business Saturday helps to promote independent retailers such as Kate Lankester (centre right) who runs Bizarre

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event that aims to encourage shoppers to support local and independent retailers.

Emily Gibbon, manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID) said: “They are the lifeline of our city.

"We need to support them as much as we can throughout the year and days like Small Business Saturday give us the opportunity to showcase the wonderful array of small businesses we have here in Gloucester.”

'Extra footfall'

Any incentive to bring more shoppers in to Gloucester is important to independent retailers, said Kate Lankester, who sells gifts, clothing and jewellery in her store, Bizarre.

"The free parking in Gloucester is helping draw customers into the city for events like the Small Business Saturday and for late night shopping coming up to Christmas.

"The extra footfall this can bring to town is great for small independent businesses like mine at this time of year," she said.

Councillor Declan Wilson, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “When we shop local, we’re investing directly in the heart of our community, helping small businesses thrive and creating a more vibrant and connected place to live.”

Mr Edden said that incentives such as free parking should be extended to other times of the year.

"It would be great because there are so many different kinds of events, other key dates in the year; or even to focus on the quieter times, when there isn't anything special, would really help us," he added.