Traders Disappointed After Free Saturday Parking Axed In Run-Up To Christmas

Traders in Market Harborough have expressed disappointment there will be no free parking in Market Harborough on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

Harborough District Council has waived charges on Saturdays during December for the past six years, to support the ‘shop local’ campaign, but says it is unable to this year due to ‘the significant loss of income’ it has suffered during the pandemic.

However, it will be giving free parking in its car parks after 4pm when festive events take place in the town centre.

Jarrod Burke, Chairman of the Harbs Collective, which represents independent retailers, gave his reaction to Hfm:

Free parking has been offered on Saturdays during December for the past six years

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council explained why they could not offer the free parking on Saturdays this year:

Parking charges will be waived after 4pm on Friday November 19th and Saturday November 20th for the Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping event, including a three-day Christmas Food and Drink Fayre, and on December 3rd for the Market Harborough Christmas Fayre.