Shopping trips just got a whole lot cheaper – thanks to Braintree District Council’s new initiative to encourage shoppers back into our towns.

For just 10p shoppers can park in council owned car parks in Braintree and Witham after 3pm from Monday to Saturday and can park all day on a Sunday, from 21st November 2011.

Early this year Braintree District Council undertook a ‘Talk of the Towns’ public consultation  inviting people to comment on what they expected from and valued in their local towns.  The results of the consultation involving hundreds of residents highlighted that cheaper parking came high up on the list of requests from shoppers and retailers.

Councillor Lady Newton, Cabinet Member for Development, Economy and Housing said:  “We listened to what retailers, businesses and shoppers want – and convenient, cheap parking was requested by everyone.  We hope this initiative will encourage shoppers into the towns at a time when retailers have told us trade is quiet.”   
Brenda Baker,Manager of George Yard Shopping Centre, said: “With the run up to Christmas, Sunday trading and the town-wide late night event on the 9th December this action from Braintree District Council will most certainly be beneficial.”

Cllr John Goodman, Mayor of Witham Town Council commented, “This is a good initial step to encourage visitors to Witham Town Centre.  The Town Council is looking forward to seeing the results of the pilot scheme at the end of March 2012.”

10p parking after 3.00pm and all day Sunday is available at the following car park until  31st March 2012 (excludes permit areas):

Braintree – George Yard Multi Storey, Station Approach, Manor Street, Victoria Street. 
Also Causeway House at weekends only.
Witham – Newlands Drive and Mill Lane.
Also Mayland Road at weekends only.

Halstead car parks are managed by Halstead Town Council who will be undertaking their own initiatives.