WDDC & DCC, at the request of The Dorchester Business Improvement District have agreed to provide FREE parking in all Council operated car parks and on-street parking in Dorchester for the last 3 Saturdays in Dec (8th, 15th, 22nd) as well as Christmas Eve Monday 24th of December. This initiative requested by DBID with the support of Dorchester Town Council will potentially give a great boost to the towns businesses during the important trading period running up to Christmas. It will also give the local community and visitors from further afield yet another great reason to do their Christmas shopping here in Dorchester!
DBID Project Director Phil Gordon commented “It’s still very tough out there for the high street businesses – They have had a lot of challenges in recent times with a weak economy, rising business costs and the ever-present threat of people doing some of their shopping online. These#Park4FREE days in Dorchester’s car parks & on-street parking mean a more leisurely shopping experience for visitors and that rare treat of not having to rush back to the car before your ticket runs out!! I love it and would like to thank the Councils for their cooperation”
Neil Strudwick DBID Chairman “It is said that the high street is dying, I think that Dorchester is proving that wrong with its business strength and opportunities like this. Car parking charges have been a local issue in recent times so what a wonderful time to take advantage. As Chairman of the BID I feel that the town has such a vibrant ‘energy’ at the moment these are exciting times for Dorchester. I am sure it will all add to an even more magical and friendly Christmas shopping experience in our County Town. Thank you WDDC & DCC and Happy Christmas!”
Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enabling, said: “We are delighted to offer free parking in our wonderful and unique county town for Christmas shoppers, or those wishing to indulge in our wonderful cultural attractions.”
Cllr Daryl Turner, Cabinet Member for the Natural & Built Environment at Dorset County Council said “DCC are always happy to work with the Dorchester BID & match the offer of The District Council with free parking in our Car Parks & with on street parking, supporting Local Business & helping the Community at this busy time of year”