Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council has signed a new deal with Tesco in Gainsborough to boost parking spaces in the town during the run up to Christmas.
The one year deal will enable the Council's staff, who purchased parking permits, to park on previously unused land at the Tesco site. Demolition work started in November on the Beaumont Street Multi-Storey car park, which is being knocked down to make way for a new Lidl store.
In a bid to support local businesses, especially over the festive season, the Council has been exploring options make sure there is enough spaces for shoppers to park.
Conservative Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr. Mrs. Sheila Bibb said:
“We are so grateful to Tesco for their swift action and support on this matter. This new deal will create 50 new car parking spaces for staff to be able to use, which means there will be less people parking in the town centre, freeing those spaces up for shoppers.”
Staff, who pay the same as other customers for their passes, have been parking away from the main town centre car parks for the last few weeks to make sure they are not taking up valuable spaces. They have also been working differently and remotely from other locations to alleviate the pressure on car parking spaces especially on Market days.
Mrs. Manjeet Gill, Chief Executive of West Lindsey District Council added:
“Tesco have been brilliant community partners and especially their contact, Andrew Crewther.”
The new parking deal came into force on Monday, 12th December. Mr. Alec Brown, a spokesman for Tesco said:
“We were approached by the council, who explained the situation to us and asked for our help.
“We had some unused land on our Beaumont Street site and have agreed to licence this to West Lindsey District Council.
“We are delighted to be able to support the town on this matter and hope this will encourage more shoppers to the town over the holiday season.”
Shoppers in Gainsborough are also being reminded that they can park ‘free after three’ in council owned car parks, which has been available since August. The scheme applies to all six West Lindsey District Council-run car parks in the town after 3pm. It is aimed at supporting small businesses and encouraging people to shop local. There is currently no end date for the campaign. The car parks include:
- North Street
- Roseway
- Lord Street
- Whitton Gardens
- Ship Court
- Bridge Street