FREE parking at Droitwich’s car parks has been extended until August 3 as Wychavon District Council puts together a raft of measures to help the reopened High Street recover from the Coronavirus lockdown.
Charges were suspended at the end of March after the Prime Minister announced all non-essential shops were set to close.
While councils that did initially offer free parking have now reintroduced charges following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Wychavon has decided to continue to offer free parking for now.
This will help support the initial opening of non-essential shops, as well as pubs, restaurants, and cafes from 4 July.
The move is part of Wychavon’s Town Centre Economic Recovery Plan, designed to support businesses reopening, and give visitors confidence that Wychavon’s town centres are safe places to visit.
Shoppers are urged to stay S A F E by:
Sanitising and washing their hands regularly
Always being kind and considerate to others
Following social distancing guidelines
Enjoying our environment but making sure they take litter home with them or put it in the bins provided.
Signs have been put up to remind people about social distancing rules and public hand sanitiser points will shortly be installed around Droitwich and other town centres across the district.
All but one of Wychavon’s public toilets have been reopened as well.
Additional bike racks will also be installed to encourage cycling and discussions continue with Worcestershire County Council about the use of public highways to help food businesses serve diners.
There will also be promotional campaigns to promote the safety measures in place and give residents the confidence to get out and support their local traders, while encouraging visitors to explore the district.
More than £28.8million has been paid out by Wychavon in support grants to small businesses – many in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors – and another £1.5million of discretionary grant funding is currently being distributed.
Wychavon District Council leader Coun Bradley Thomas said: “Our traders have done an amazing job in making their businesses Covid secure so they can reopen to their customers. Offering free parking in our car parks for a little while longer, is just one of the ways we are supporting them.
“The measures we and businesses have put in place should give people confidence to visit our high streets. I urge people to get out there and support their local traders through this challenging time.”
