Bath Conservatives are calling on Bath and NE Somerset Council to lift charges for Park and Ride and offer free parking in Council car parks in the City over Christmas, to boost shopping and help retailers recover from the effects of COVID restrictions. 

Following the news that Debenhams and the Arcadia Group are going into administration, such a move by the Council would help persuade shoppers from across the region to return to Bath and give a much needed boost to the City’s High Street. 

The Conservatives’ proposal is that, up to and including the public holiday on Monday 28 December, BANES should:

- remove all charges for using the city’s Park and Rides
- remove all parking charges in the Council Car Parks in the City Centre: 
           - Avon Street 
           - Charlotte Street 
           - Manvers Street 
 

A Bath Conservatives spokesperson said: 

“Bath’s retailers have been hit badly by the dramatic fall in people shopping in our City.  These small businesses are valiantly trying to keep themselves afloat and deserve the Council’s practical support.   

“The Council should do all it can to help Bath’s retailers and their customers have a more Merry Christmas.” 

ENDS