Gainsborough: Traders are campaigning for a free parking scheme to boost the town’s economy

Indepedence in Gainsborough group are campaigning to get free parking in the town. Picture: Andrew Roe

Both parties have already written to West Lindsey District Council who control the parking charges in Gainsborough in order to highlight the issue.

And a petition is being launched this Saturday at the Gainsborough Christmas Lights Switch on event.

Volunteers representing the Independents group and the Town Council will be out seeking signatures from the public in support of the petition.

Copies of the petition will then be in various stores around the town in the run up to Christmas.

And if 300 signatures can be secured the petition will then be discussed at a full West Lindsey District Council meeting.

Guy Crosskill of the Independent Traders group said: “There are countless examples around the country where Councils have acted to reduce or eliminate parking charges and in doing so have helped to increase footfall and trade in their town centres.”

“As a group we have been working hard to try and attract people into the town centre by holding a number of free events based in the market place, the most recent being our Sci Fi event.”

“Although helpful these events only really act to increase footfall on the day of the event.”

“This Free Parking campaign forms part of a more strategic approach to our efforts to boost the town centre footfall and economy.”

The group is appealing to local residents and visitors to the town centre to support this campaign and sign the petition.

In the first instance the group are aiming for two or three hours free parking a day but they have not specified a specific time for this at the moment.

A spokesperson from West Lindsey District Council said: “West Lindsey District Council has been made aware that a petition may be presented to the authority in relation to free car parking in Gainsborough.”

“At this moment the content and context is not known to the council, but the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the council’s procedures when received.”

There are a number of car parks in Gainsborough managed by West Lindsey District Council.

These are long stay and short stay car parks and include Roseway, Bridge Street, Ship Court, Whittons Gardens, the Guildhall, North Street and the multi storey in Beaumont Street.