Free parking in Paignton this Christmas

The council are offering an early Christmas present to Paignton's local traders and shoppers this year, with free parking on the evenings of late night shopping across the Bay.

Shoppers in Torquay and Paignton will be entitled to free parking, in council car parks, from 5pm until midnight every Thursday until Christmas and Saturday evenings for those in Brixham, including Christmas Eve. The offer is only valid in off street council car parks and does not include on street pay and display parking.

As an added bonus, those venturing out to Paignton seafront on Boxing Day in support of the annual charity swim (known as "Walk into the sea") will also be able to park for free on the Eastern Esplanade.

Cllr Robert Excell said: "We want to entice as many people as possible into Torbay this year and in turn provide a welcome to boost to our local economy. We know it is a very busy and expensive time of year for people so the free festive parking, within convenient car parks in the heart of the towns, is a way of making it easier and cheaper for people to do their shopping.

"We are also aware that many people visit Paignton sea front on Boxing Day to either participate in or support the charity swim and with free parking within the pay and display bays on the Eastern Esplanade there really is no excuse!"

Cllr Jeanette Richards said: "In the current economic climate it is important that we support the Bay's traders and not only encourage our residents to shop locally but also encourage others to travel into the area and spend their money in Torbay.

"I am delighted that the council has been able to fund this initiative and offer a boost to our local businesses...let the Christmas festivities begin!"

The initiative is being offered in partnership with the Town Centres Company in Torquay and Paignton, the Brixham Chamber of Trade and Brixham Town Council.

For full details and a list of off street, council car parks available go to www.torbay.gov.uk/parking