Free Sunday parking is back in Newark this Christmas season at all pay and display car parks managed by Newark and Sherwood District Council — Appletongate, London Road, The Wharf, Riverside and Castle House

Free Sunday parking is back in Newark this Christmas season at all pay and display car parks managed by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Free parking will start on Sunday, November 27, just in time for Newark’s Christmas Lights Switch On, and will run every Sunday up to and including Sunday, December 18.

It is hoped that the free parking will encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally this year in a bid to help support the district’s retailers and high streets.

Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder for economic development and visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Whilst we wish we could do more, like everyone we too are faced with the same rising costs of living. However, we are committed to doing whatever we possibly can to help support residents and businesses at this important time.

“While we are providing support and help to our local retailers with grants, training and development opportunities, it’s important that we all endeavour to shop locally where possible rather than just online.

"Newark has a number of beautiful independent shops selling a range of unique items that would make perfect Christmas gifts. In addition, local butchers, bakers and market stalls offer everything needed for the perfect Christmas dinner.

“Shopping locally is one way we can all help the long-term economic recovery of our high streets and we hope that offering free parking on Sundays may be a small step towards helping everyone at this time of year. I would also like to encourage local retailers to all consider opening on Sundays in the lead up to Christmas and benefit from the additional visitors to our town during the Sundays’ festive events.”

A number of fantastic events are set to take place on Sundays over the festive period including Newark’s Christmas Lights Switch On on Sunday, November 27, this year’s Palace Theatre pantomime Cinderella which runs from December 6 to 31 including Sunday shows on December 11-18, the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 December and Newark Christmas Dickensian and Steampunk Market on Sunday, December 11.

The district council managed car parks offering free parking include those located on Appletongate, London Road, The Wharf, Riverside and Castle House. The offer does not apply to resident and contract carparks.