Free parking in Weymouth to mark Small Business Saturday
There's also a warning to 'use or lose' our independent shops
There's free parking across Weymouth today (Saturday 3rd December) - in an effort to get us shopping more locally during the festive rush.
The Town Council's supporting Small Business Saturday by asking the Dorset authority to waive fees at a number of car parks.
Participating town centre car parks include Pavilion, Pavilion Forecourt, Old Council Offices on North Quay, Governors Lane, Cosens Quay, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, Park Street and Swannery.
Cllr Ryan Hope, Chair of Services Committee, said:
“Saturday 3rd December is Small Business Saturday, which is a national event organised to support small businesses, who are a vibrant and key part of our town.
“So, please consider coming to Weymouth and supporting independent retailers and businesses, as your spending will help boost the local economy.
“When you shop local, you are not only supporting a range of producers and makers, you’re buying products unique to your area.
“And our thanks go to Dorset Council for supporting the free parking initiative again this year. Having free parking available will certainly help draw people into the town.”
Dorchester a hub for indies
There's also a plea from Dorchester's independent traders to 'use them or lose them'.
During Small Business Saturday, we're being asked to think local and give family run businesses a helping hand to survive.
Neil Strudwick is from Goldcrest Jewellers:
"Personally, I think Small Business Saturday will raise awareness of those small, family run businesses in these tough trading times. The use of social media, good profiling and above all, good customer service, can also make a huge difference.
"We've got such a small business community in Dorchester that I think we can offer something other towns can't."
Helen Moody from the Vinyl Van says the county town is a hub for smaller businesses:
"Anything that highlights and reminds people of small businesses and the importance of supporting them can only be a good thing. I know we've certainly appreciated it over the last few years of business, where it's been quite up and down.
"There's a really good selection of independents in town, in Poundbury and at Brewery Square, so there's a lot on offer in Dorchester. It's a good place to come for shopping and supporting local small businesses."