Ashfield District Council is to consider offering two hours free parking in all its town centre car parks from early September.

All council car parks are currently free, with all time restrictions lifted until 1st September. The new recommendations have been put forward as part of the council’s Covid-19 recovery plans and will be considered by the cabinet this week.

Coun David Martin, Cabinet Member for Streets, Parks and Town Centres, said: “We have put this recommendation forward to help support high street businesses to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown, and provide longer-term support to attract people into town centres.

“So many people have been shopping locally during lockdown and are appreciating the benefits of having high quality products available on their doorstep. Two hours free parking will encourage residents continue to shop local, and continue to visit our town centres on a regular basis.”

Town centres are now open for business, with many none essential traders having now opened their doors. Social distancing measures are in place, along with queueing systems and enhanced cleaning of street furniture.

Coun Samantha Deakin, councillor for Central and New Cross, Sutton, said: “We are currently running a campaign encouraging residents to Love Ashfield, Shop Local. We want assure shoppers that we have safety measures in place, and they can feel safe as they start to come out onto the high streets for the first time.

“Following recent government announcements more businesses will be opening their doors and welcoming customers back from 4th July, we encourage all residents to support our town centres and shop local!”