SHROPSHIRE Council car parks in Whitchurch and Wem will be made free between April 12-25 to help boost traders when non-essential shops reopen.

The announcement was made this week by Councillor Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, with the hope that it will help businesses.

Parking will be free from 8am to 6pm in all Shropshire Council car parks from to provide the county’s town centre traders with a welcome boost once non-essential shops and personal care providers reopen, and pubs and restaurants are able to serve customers outdoors.

It’s hoped that the free parking will encourage people to visit local businesses once the current lockdown measures are eased in line with the government’s roadmap.

If the reopening date moves from April 12, the dates of this offer will be amended.

And with social distancing measures set to be back in place in the county’s town centres, visitors will also be able to visit towns safely, as well as for free.

Current season ticket and residents’ permits for Shropshire Council car parks will be extended by two weeks.

Cllr Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We know that this year has been a challenging one for our town centres, for our local businesses, and for the local economy.

"We hope this offer will give our traders a much-needed boost once the current lockdown restrictions are eased by encouraging shoppers and visitors to our towns.

“It’s never been more important to think local and shop local – our local businesses will very much welcome your custom – and we hope this offer will help encourage people to do so.

“Clearly health and safety will remain a top priority.

"Our town centres will have social distancing measures in place to support safer shopping, and we remind people using our car parks and visiting our town centres to follow latest government guidance, and take note of any signage."

The free parking offer does not include Prees Heath HGV Coach and Car Park; Crossways HGV, Coach and Car Park in Church Stretton; and the car parks at The Bog, at The Moors and Castlefields near The Mere in Ellesmere, and the Severn Valley Country Park car parks at Alveley and Highley.

For car park locations, and other parking information, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/parking