March 23, 2018 11.50 am This story is over 72 months old

Gainsborough shoppers will get one hour free parking in April

Easier to shop and go.
From left to right: Jeanette Thompson (of Barnes Jewellers), Councillor Trevor Young and Dawn Baron (Chairman of the Independent Traders and owner of Baron Bou). Photo: West Lindsey District Council

Visitors and shoppers will have an extra incentive to come into Gainsborough in April as the district council will introduce one-hour free parking at its car parks.

All West Lindsey District Council owned car parks – Riverside Car Park, Roseway Car Park, North Street, Bridge Street, Ship Court, Lord Street and Whitton Gardens – will be included from April 1.

The initiative is part of the council’s car parking strategy which aims to increase the number of spaces available in Gainsborough by 43% over the next two years.

Motorists will still need to collect a ticket from the machines and place it in their vehicles to display and this includes pay by phone users.

The seven car parks owned by West Lindsey District Council. Photo: West Lindsey District Council

Councillor Trevor Young, ward member for the South West Ward of Gainsborough, said: “We hope this will encourage people to shop local and support businesses and traders at our Tuesday and Saturday markets.

“The council has restricted permit holders as to where they can park, they are not permitted to park at Roseway Car Park and Ship Court car park in the town. This decision was taken to encourage short stay visitors’ access to car parks closer to the town centre to access shops, banks and pharmacies.

“I would urge more able residents to think about where they park and to use the new Riverside Car Park, North Street or Bridge Street Car Parks to encourage a high turnover of use in the car parks closer to the town and support local businesses.”

Chairman of the Independent Traders Dawn Baron added: “People are more likely to pop in if they don’t have to pay for car parking and the more people we can encourage into the town centre will add to a better atmosphere.”

Car parking permits are now back on sale and people wanting to purchase one should contact customer services on 01427 676676 or call into the Guildhall at Marshall’s Yard.