RESIDENTS and visitors to Battle, Bexhill and Rye will receive an early Christmas present with free parking in the towns’ off-street car parks on selected dates in December.

Rother District Council is again waiving parking charges in its off-street pay and display car parks to help local businesses make the most of the festive season as shops reopen after the second national lockdown.

This year the offer has been extended enabling Christmas shoppers to park for free on nine dates, with free parking available every Thursday and Saturday during December.

Parking charges will be suspended in the council’s off-street car parks in Battle, Bexhill and Rye on December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 and 24. Parking charges will also be waived on December 26 and 31.

Cllr Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said: “By waiving charges in our off-street car parks on Thursdays and Saturdays this month, we hope people will be encouraged to shop locally over the festive period and help support our independent businesses who have faced a challenging year.

“Our local shops and high streets offer a unique shopping experience, with a wide choice of products and great customer service – perfect for Christmas shopping – and they need our support more than ever after an extremely difficult few months.”

When shopping, dining or collecting items people are reminded to wear a face covering, follow social distancing guidelines, and sanitise their hands before and after entering the premises.

Signage will be displayed in the off-street car parks confirming the dates when visitors can park for free.

Parking regulations, including time limits on spaces, will still apply and anyone not complying will still be liable for the standard charge.

For more information visit www.rother.gov.uk/carparks

Published: 1st December 2020