Free one hour parking announced for Settle, Skipton and Ingleton over the Christmas period.

The Leader of Craven District Council (Conservative), Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton is calling on Members to consider giving residents one hour free parking until 10am throughout all of their off street car parks in the run up to and over the Christmas period.

If given the go ahead by Councillors parking fees will be suspended between 9am and 10am every day in all Council Pay and Display car parks in Skipton, Settle and Ingleton between 1 December 2009 and 3 January 2010. The initiative would be monitored to assess the impact on local towns and traffic movements. The proposal to be considered by members at the next Council Policy meeting on 25 November follows a request put forward by Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Councillor Knowles-Fitton commented: “Giving an hours free parking would be welcomed by both traders and residents. We’re looking at ways of supporting local businesses and the thinking behind the proposal is it will encourage residents to come and shop in their local towns. Waiving parking charges at the end of the day works well in other areas of the country so we’re hoping that doing so at the beginning of the day will be just as beneficial. Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce feel that this would be a good incentive to shop in Skipton and so I’m hoping we will be able to make this possible during what is one of the busiest shopping times during the year.”

Joan Evans, President of Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “We’re absolutely delighted that this initiative has been taken on board and is to be considered by Craven District Council. Giving a free hour of parking at the beginning of the day will hopefully bring tourists and residents in to shop and this can only be good, not just for Skipton, but the other towns in Craven too.”