Trial dates announced for free parking in Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Trial dates announced for free parking in Burnley

8:52am Monday 6th August 2012 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

TRIAL dates for Burnley town centre’s new ‘free parking Saturdays’ have been unveiled as part of a shopping revival campaign.

No fewer than 16 council-owned car parks will be involved in the first three outings for the initiative, which will take place on August 11, September 8 and October 13.

Around a dozen days have been envisaged for this financial year as a means of attracting more customers to the likes of Charter Walk , St James Street and Standish Street.

Coun Andy Tatchell, the borough’s deputy leader, said: “It is a priority for the council to attract more shoppers and visitors to Burnley and to boost the town centre economy. It is our hope that the selected free parking Saturdays will encourage more people to visit Burnley, extend the length of their stay, and make Burnley their future place of choice for their weekend shopping.”

The free sessions will last from 10am to 6pm and apply only at the town’s short-stay car parks — and not on-street parking or private locations.

Work is set to start soon on redeveloping Market Square and Next is due to relocate to the flagship former TJ Hughes premises in Curzon Street.

And cut-price stall rates are being offered to new traders taking up leases on the town’s covered market.

Car parks taking part include the larger Pioneer, Centenary Way and King Street sites, Cow Lane, Finsley Gate and spaces on the former Thompson Centre.

Other smaller locations like Standish Street, Orchard Bridge, Sutcliffe Street, behind the town hall, Nicholas Street, Parker Lane, Grimshaw Street, Elizabeth Street and Thomas Street.