AS SUFFERING traders fight the recession in Macclesfield, a campaign for the council to offer free parking is gaining momentum.
Some feel a ‘free after three’ policy, or a ‘no charge Saturday’ would bring shoppers back to spend their cash.
But Cheshire East Council (CEC) – which charges drivers to park in the town centre from Monday to Saturday – refuses to acknowledge space fees are the problem.
A spokesman for CEC said: "There are no plans to do free parking. There’s nothing convincing about free parking at any time of the day."
But David Casson, 55, owner of The Cook Shop on Chestergate, disagrees. He said: "I’ve noticed Macclesfield goes quiet at about 3pm, so it wouldn’t cost the council much to make it free after three. It would help pick up business during the more quiet part of the day."
Robin Jones, owner of Serendipity, on Chestergate, added: "I don’t think the council is doing anything to help small businesses at the moment and I think free parking after 3pm would be a good step.
"Anything to help bring customers back into the town is a good, positive move. I think we should reward customers who come into town by giving them free parking."
Yvonne Adams, manager of lingerie shop Cachet, also on Chestergate, said: "I think free parking after 3pm would make a major difference." Shopper Alan Reynolds, 59, on Tytherington, a wall and floor tiler, said: "Free after three would definitely help. The restrictions in parking sends people to Handforth Dean. It would be ideal from 3pm to 6pm.
"The council just relies on us being tolerant and there will come a time when people vote with their feet."
Pat Breen, from Broken Cross, said: "Parking is a nightmare in Macclesfield.
"I remember when parking was free. People deliberately avoid coming now – especially with the wardens – so any free parking is welcome."
But Lee Stevenson, 50, a train driver from Tytherington, thinks free parking on a Saturday is most needed.
He said: "Most people come into town on a Saturday, so that would be the best choice."
