Shoppers will be able to enjoy free parking in council-operated town centre car parks to help boost support for local businesses in the run up to Christmas.

Visitors using council-operated car parks in the town centre will be able to enjoy free parking on Saturday, December 5, and between 4pm and 7pm on each Thursday before Christmas.

Free parking will also be available throughout December at the Lower Basing View car park.

The offer is part of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s support for Small Business Saturday to help small businesses throughout the town centre who have been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to help shoppers get in the festive spirit.

Following the easing of national Covid-19 restrictions, non-essential retail, hairdressers and hospitality premises will be able to reopen from Wednesday 2 December.

Now in its eighth year, Small Business Saturday is designed to give smaller traders pre-Christmas support to compete with larger retailers on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

And for those who would prefer to support the borough’s businesses in the comfort of their own home, local businesses are now able to sell their goods online at The Borough Basket, with over 50 businesses already registering their interest.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Ken Rhatigan said: “2020 has been a particularly difficult year for our borough’s businesses and we are committed to supporting them. Now more than ever, it is so important to support the businesses we all love and there are plenty of ways to shop local this Christmas.

“We hope this free parking offer will encourage more people to come and discover the fantastic range of businesses and smaller retailers in our town centre, including Festival Place and The Malls, and give them a much-needed boost in the run up to Christmas which is their busiest time of the year.

“I would like to reassure visitors that our shopping areas are ready to welcome you back. Please continue to follow the measures that we have put in place and be considerate of other visitors. This includes keeping a safe distance from others, washing your hands regularly and wearing a face covering to protect you and other shoppers.”

Jane Stewart, Chief Executive of Basingstoke Together, said: “Basingstoke Together BID has been working closely with councillors in support of local businesses and the high street and we are delighted with this early Christmas present for businesses in the town centre. Now more than ever we are asking Basingstoke residents to support their local shops and businesses in the run up to Christmas. Remember, shop safely and shop local.”

To find out more, please visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/carparks and for more information about The Borough Basket and to shop online visit http://theboroughbasket.co.uk/.