Shop local and park for free

Shoppers are being encouraged to get behind small businesses and shop in Carmarthenshire’s town centres and communities in the run up to Christmas.

Since March traders in Carmarthenshire have faced a huge financial struggle to remain open following the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns.

In what is the busiest time of the year, traders are now hoping to recoup some of their losses as they approach the festive season and have worked hard to ensure their shops and stores are safe to shop in, including queuing systems, sanitisation stations, till screens and more.

As part of the drive to encourage shoppers to stay local, the council has extended the free parking days in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford into December.

Carmarthen has its free parking days every Sunday until the December 27; Llanelli on Saturday 5, 12 and 19 and Ammanford Friday and Saturday, Dec 4&5, 11&12 and Friday, Dec 18.

The council also offers free parking to support traders throughout the week at the following locations:

• Monday-Wednesday, 10am to 2pm, at town centre car parks in St Clears, Newcastle Emlyn, Llandovery, Llandeilo and Ammanford
• Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am-4pm, in Llanelli town centre (plus Saturday and Sunday at Coleshill car park behind Llanelli Town Hall)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3.30pm-6pm, in Carmarthen town centre

Carmarthenshire County Council leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “Local businesses have been under tremendous pressure this year whilst trying to remain open.  Let’s give them the support they deserve as they recover and shop local especially in this time when they need it the most.”

The council has also launched a new online showcase shining a spotlight on some of the best of Carmarthenshire’s local independent businesses. 100% Sir Gâr has been developed to give local retailers and producers a platform to highlight their products.

Visit 100% Sir Gâr on www.discovercarmarthenshire.com