Ironbridge car parks made free by council in bid to increase visitor numbers before Christmas
Parking at Telford & Wrekin Council's five main car parks that serve the Ironbridge Gorge has been made free for more than a week to encourage more visitors in the run up to Christmas.
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Five main car parks offering 250 spaces in total will have charges temporarily suspended from Monday, December 16, up to and including Boxing Day.
Parking will be free at The Square, The Wharfage, Waterloo Street, Central and Dale End car parks.
The local authority announced the temporary move on Thursday in a bid to support high street businesses in the area while they face a challenging time.
Severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall from two storms saw the installation of flood barriers in Ironbridge that the council said has "meant a loss in trade".
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability at Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Carolyn Healy said: "Businesses across the Gorge and down into Jackfield are being repeatedly affected by not only flood water from the river but also surface water flooding. If traders are not affected directly, the impacts are far reaching stopping supplies or customers getting to them.
"Suspending car park charges is a small but important step. It’' vital that we support businesses however we can."
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for the Economy added: "Flooding can be devastating for small businesses which are integral to so many people's lives in the Ironbridge Gorge which is why we always encourage people to visit especially when the flood barriers go up.
"The barriers themselves can make getting around the Ironbridge more difficult and this year footfall has reduced. We hope this small action will bring shoppers back to Ironbridge and give business a boost."
