People power to thank for free parking says Hastings MP

Hastings Borough Council has announced that parking in all the car parks will be free after 2pm on Saturdays in December as well as free parking on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The MP said: “"Thank you to the hundreds of residents who supported my campaign for free festive parking in Hastings. I am delighted that the council has now agreed to get in the festive spirit early by providing free parking from 2pm every Saturday in December in Hastings Borough Council-owned car parks. This will give our high streets a welcome boost this Christmas.”

The MP said she has been campaigning for the council to bring Hastings in line with other towns such as Bexhill, Battle and Rye in offering this initiative to encourage shoppers to visit local businesses in the run up to Christmas.

She launched her campaign last year and garnered support from hundreds of residents and local traders who signed her petition in support. She raised the issue in Parliament, calling on the council to 'get into the festive spirit early and support my campaign for Christmas parking in Hastings'.

Cllr Becca Horn, lead councillor for Community Safety and Environmental Services, said: “We have been discussing free parking in the run up to Christmas for several weeks, we hope that by providing free parking on key dates in December, this will encourage greater footfall within the town centre and Old Town and assist local businesses during an important trading period.

“Hastings has a fantastic range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions, and we want to support residents and visitors to enjoy everything the town has to offer over the festive season.

“Shopping locally helps support our businesses, creates local jobs and contributes to a thriving town centre. We hope these free parking periods will make it even easier for people to enjoy Christmas in Hastings."