Hard-pressed traders urge free parking concession to attract shoppers

SCARBOROUGH traders are calling for all parking in the town to be made free after 3pm to help boost its faltering economy.

Scarborough’s Chamber of Trade has written to Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, urging for parking charges to be lifted early to encourage shoppers to stay longer in town and support the night-time economy.

Chamber chairman Chris Golder said the move would also tempt more people to come into or stay in town to enjoy meals at local restaurants.

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“The economic climate in Scarborough, as everywhere, is bleak and we need to do all we can to help,” he said.

“We want people to come into Scarborough to do their shopping and not feel they have to dash off quickly because of parking charges.

“The pounds that people might save from parking charges they might well spend in the town, for the good of everyone.”

“At the moment, if you want to be in the town during the early evening, car parking charges apply until 6pm.

“If we are serious about creating a night-time economy for the town, we have to do something that encourages people to stay after work or come in early.”