Free Parking to continue in Greyhound Lane car park, Winslow

Traders and shoppers in Winslow will welcome the news that parking is to remain free in the town’s Greyhound Lane car park, following an agreement reached with the town council.

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet this week approved a proposal to provide free parking in the car park until 2018.

The agreement will see Winslow Town Council contribute £5,000 in 2012/13, increasing annually by £500 until 2018 when the position will be reviewed.

The Market Square will continue to enjoy free parking for the first hour with a 50p charge for the second hour.

Earlier this year AVDC consulted on proposals to introduce parking charges in the Greyhound Lane car park. The town council and local traders raised their concerns that due to the current economic situation any charging proposals would be damaging to local businesses and could hinder any future recovery.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “AVDC is keen to support the local retailers and we recognise the difficult trading environment that businesses in Winslow are facing. We have met with the town council and local traders and have listened to their concerns for their businesses during these tough economic times.

“We are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that enabled the situation to be resolved satisfactorily for all concerned. We hope the agreement will be welcomed by businesses, visitors and shoppers who will all continue to benefit from free parking in the town.”

AVDC: free parking for Christmas shoppers

Aylesbury Vale District Council is offering free parking in its Buckingham, Winslow and Wendover car parks on selected Saturdays in December.

The offer is a bid to encourage shoppers to stay local this Christmas and take advantage of the excellent mix of independent and high street shops that the district has to offer.

The town and parish councils have helped plan the free Christmas parking days, which will take place in Buckingham on 10 December and in Wendover and Winslow on 17 December.

Free parking will also be available in council car parks in Aylesbury on Thursday evenings from 4.30pm between 17 November and 22 December.

Shoppers across Aylesbury Vale are also being reminded that all of AVDC’s pay and display car parks are free to use on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

When charges are suspended in Buckingham, Wendover and Winslow, the pay and display machines will be covered and signs will be displayed to prevent any confusion. Other parking rules still apply, so motorists need to make sure they’re parked within the white lines, and stay out of spaces for the disabled unless they display a valid blue badge.

Councillor Brian Roberts, Cabinet Member for Civic Amenities, said: “This is a very positive step we can take to support our retailers at their most important time of year. Our district has a lot to offer shoppers including a wide range of small independent shops alongside the bigger stores. We want to bring visitors into the area and encourage residents to shop local too.”