Bonus as multi storey free parking is brought forward

THERE’S A Christmas bonus for shoppers to Llanelli town centre with free parking in Llanelli’s Murray Street Multi Storey from 10am on Monday, November 21.

Also, the free parking will remain until a new car park is delivered as part of the £60million East Gate development.

Signs at the entrances and exits to the 510 spaces multi storey car park will explain that parking is free after 10am for a period of four hours. The concession does not apply before 10am to prevent the car park spaces being taken up by office workers and traders.

It was thought the Traffic Order variation might delay plans until January but Carmarthenshire Council’s transport team have found a way to enable the concession with immediate effect from Monday.

Llanelli Chamber of Trade who campaigned for the free parking has welcomed the news. President, Andrew Stephens said: “This is the perfect pre Christmas shopping boost for the town.”

Chamber life member David Craddock congratulated the council on its efforts. He said: “I understand that the necessary formal variation to Order under appropriate legislation needs to be completed but the Council are to be commended for pulling out all the stops to enable this free parking concession for shoppers a month earlier than expected.”

County executive board member for Transport services Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We have much to look forward to in Llanelli with £60million of development works set to be delivered by October next year which includes the £25million East Gate leisure and retail development.

“Traders have taken a knock in this massive transitional period. But free parking will go some way to help them by attracting shoppers to town especially with it being achieved in the run up to Christmas.”

Car parks throughout the county will be free in the two leading up to Christmas.