FREE parking will be available in New Forest District Council's car parks, including Fordingbridge and Ringwood, over Christmas on these dates.

There will be free parking on Saturday December 4, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 with towns and parish councils able to request an additional day of free parking.

Fordingbridge

In Fordingbridge, there will be free parking on December 4, 11, 18 and 19.

The free parking at the New Forest District Council car parks on December 11 coincides with Fordingbridge Events Group's Glow afternoon, which runs from 2.30pm to 7pm at Roundhill.

There will be stalls with food and drink, fun activities and addresses by Santa throughout the event.

Roundhill will be closed from 10.30am on the morning of the event. Other roads will continue to be open.

Ringwood

The free parking at the New Forest District Council car parks in Ringwood will be on November 28, December 4, 18, and 19.

On November 28, Ringwood Winter Wanderland Christmas Lights Switch is being held with events taking place from 11.30am to 6.30pm.

NFDC car parks in the town will be free on the 28. However, The Furlong (Waitrose) car park will have the usual restrictions.

Supporting local businesses

Cllr Michael Harris OBE, New Forest District Council, Portfolio Holder for Business, High Streets and Tourism said; “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a change in shopping habits, with consumers rediscovering their high streets and the advantages of shopping locally.

"We want to build on this as we see our High Street’s as the heart of our towns and villages and an important part of our local economy.

“We hope the four days of free parking will encourage people who already shop nearby to carry on, and also for people who haven’t been to their local shops recently to go and take a look at what is available right on their doorstep.”

The initiative is aimed at encouraging residents to continue to shop locally in the lead up to Christmas.

The free parking on December 4 is to support Small Business Saturday.

 

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