A campaign launched by Natasha Asghar MS with the aim of boosting pre-Christmas trade for businesses has been hailed a success.
The South East Wales politician last month unveiled her initiative to see charges scrapped in local authority-run town centre car parks across the region throughout December.
Natasha believes her plan will help the region’s businesses during the festive period and families who are facing increasing cost-of-living pressures.
She wrote to the leaders of all the councils in South East Wales urging them to get on board with the scheme and was pleased with the answers.
After sending her letter, Monmouthshire County Council announced free parking on every weekend throughout December and free bus travel.
The leader of Torfaen Council revealed car parking would be free across the county in December and said the authority is committed to working with businesses to attract footfall and investment into its town centres.
Caerphilly County Borough Council will also have free parking throughout the Christmas period.
The leaders of Merthyr Tydfil, Newport and Blaenau Gwent councils didn’t respond to Natasha’s letter.
Natasha Asghar MS said:
“Whilst it is disappointing that three of the region’s council didn’t even respond to my letter, I am very pleased to see the other council leaders back my initiative and will be offering free car parking – and more – throughout December.
“Businesses across the region, and the rest of the country, are still feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and are now grappling with the rising cost of living, so I am hoping more people will be enticed into our town centres with parking fees being lifted.
“Anything we can do to get our town centres and shopping areas bustling again must be welcomed with open arms and I cannot wait to make the most of this scheme when I am out and about doing a spot of Christmas shopping.”
