Late night shopping on Wednesdays of the month preceding Christmas day, will get a bonus, as shoppers will be provided free parking after 5pm, by the Sherwood and Newark district councils. This incentive follows the similar offer given last year for parking all day at the car parking of the Livestock Market, adjacent to Castle Station. In this project most multiple and independent shops will open on the 3 Wednesdays falling in December.
Andrew Statham, the director of community, pointed out that many users of free parking were not shoppers and the free parking, when running to 8am of Thursdays, will cost the council loss in revenue. Yet it would be an attraction that can help the retail sector here in these difficult times. The Newark Business Club had made this request of free parking to coincide with late night shopping. Ian Harrison, business manager for markets and car-parking, is working with the club’s retail group to improve footfall of shoppers here.
There will be live entertainment during day, at the Market Place, by winners of the school carol singing contest and local bands, on Sunday, 25 November . After which the Christmas lights will be switched on by Irene Brown, Mayor of Newark. It will be followed by a display of fireworks.
