Shoppers, visitors and traders across Bridgend County Borough will be able to take advantage of free car parking this Christmas.
Starting on Saturday 5 December, in Bridgend parking will be free after 10am at the council-run Rhiw and Cheapside multi-storeys, the car park behind Wilkinsons, at Tremains Road and at Tondu Road. In Porthcawl, it will be free after 10am at John Street and at Hillsboro Place.
Provided by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of its ongoing support for traders during the coronavirus pandemic, the free parking will be available until Thursday 31 December and joins the free facilities that are already available at Maesteg and Pencoed.
Cllr Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to make itself felt, and the council wants to do all that it can to support local businesses and shoppers.
“Whether it is by providing a range of free and concessionary rental rates for market stall traders, processing millions of pounds of financial support, offering free start-back training and equipment or through free car parking offers such as this, we are committed towards helping businesses make it through these difficult times.
“Bridgend, Porthcawl, Maesteg and Pencoed all offer a diverse range of shops, attractions and places to eat or drink, so I hope that visitors and shoppers will buy locally, and come and see for themselves what the county borough can offer.”
Shopmobility service can help you with your Christmas shopping
Christmas shoppers who have mobility issues are reminded that the Shopmobility service is available for them to use while they buy gifts in Bridgend town centre.
The service can be used by anyone with mobility problems who needs help to get around town, not just blue badge holders.
Users have to complete a membership form at the Shopmobility office in the multi-storey car park in Brackla Street. There is an annual membership cost of £5, which includes the first scooter hire free of charge, and each hire thereafter will be £3.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, only one person is allowed in the office at a time, unless a travel companion is present. Shopmobility staff will be unable to assist members on and off the scooter.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Richard Young, said: “Residents who struggle to get around town are urged to make use of the Shopmobility scheme, which acquired a new fleet of scooters earlier this year.
“Shoppers are also reminded to visit our Digital Christmas Festival website to support local businesses and download the town centre app for a chance to win a golden ticket for a personalised message from Father Christmas.”
Customers are asked to phone 01656 667992 ahead of their visit to avoid waiting. The toilets situated inside the Shopmobility office are for staff use only until further notice.