Free parking for Christmas shoppers in Fordingbridge

New Forest District Council build on change brought about by Covid-19 pandemic

Author: Mike DraperPublished 17th Dec 2021

There's free parking once again this weekend (18/19 Dec), for Christmas shoppers in Fordingbridge and Ringwood and all the New Forest District town and village car parks.

New Forest District Council says it's continuing to build on a change in shopping habits, brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many consumers have rediscovered their high streets and the advantages of shopping locally.

A total of four days of free parking was announced by New Forest District Council (NFDC) which began on Small Business Saturday (4 December).

NFDC’s car parks are free to use this Saturday and Sunday - the final weekend before Christmas (18 and 19 December) plus an additional day where town and parish councils may request free parking in support of their Christmas events.

It's hoped the free parking will encourage people who already shop nearby, to carry on

Cllr Michael Harris OBE, New Forest District Council, Portfolio Holder for Business, High Streets and Tourism said:

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in shopping habits, with consumers rediscovering their high streets and the advantages of shopping locally. We want to build on this as we see our High Street’s as the heart of our towns and villages and an important part of our local economy."

“We hope the four days of free parking will encourage people who already shop nearby to carry on, and also for people who haven’t been to their local shops recently to go and take a look at what is available right on their doorstep.”

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