Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Senior Property Strategy & Projects Officer, seeking approval for free parking to support the Christmas markets in Gainsborough and Market Rasen. It was explained that at its meeting on 2 November, the Prosperous Communities Committee had agreed the proposal and recommended to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to also approve, given the financial impact. Specifically, it was suggested that the Council waived parking charges on the Saturday that coincided with each market, those being 4 December in Market Rasen and 11 December in Gainsborough. It was noted that 4 December was also Small Business Saturday. It was estimated that the cost to the Council would be in the range of £800 - £1000. It was also highlighted to Members that, as the request tended to be received each year, it was proposed that the forthcoming parking strategy refresh included the granting of future years’ free parking for the duration of the strategy. This would remove the need to bring the request to the Committee every year. If approved, appropriate communications would be carried out each year to ensure that the gesture was publicised.

The Senior Property Strategy and Projects Officer was thanked for his report by the Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, supporting the proposals and highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses and traders through what was still a recovery period after the considerable impact of the pandemic. He also agreed with the gesture being included in the refresh of the parking strategy and moved the recommendation.

Members of the Committee fully supported the proposals, citing the importance of supporting and growing the local economy as well as encouraging visitors to attend the events. It was enquired as to whether there could be an agreement with the Market Rasen Leisure Centre for use of their car park at times of events in the town and it was agreed this would be looked into.

Having been seconded during the course of the discussions, the Chairman called the vote and it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Prosperous Communities Committee be accepted and free car parking on 11 December (Gainsborough) and 4 December (Market Rasen), when Christmas Events are to be held, be approved.

Members gave consideration to a report in relation to providing free parking in council car parks to support Christmas events in both Gainsborough and Market Rasen. It was explained that the council operated pay and display car parks in Gainsborough and Market Rasen with parking fees applying Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm. The council was holding a Christmas Market in Gainsborough on Saturday 11 December and Sunday 12 December and would include stalls in Marshalls Yard, Market Street and the market place. Market Rasen Town Council was due to hold its Christmas event on the evening of Friday 3 December and on Saturday 4 December. This was also Small Business Saturday. It was recommended that charges in council car parks be waived in Market Rasen on Saturday 4 December and in Gainsborough on Saturday 11 December. It was also explained that there would be a car parking strategy presented to the Committee in coming months which would consider options for a recurring arrangement to be in place.

Committee Members were supportive of the proposal and felt it provided encouragement to local traders as well as being a further incentive for people to attend such events. It was suggested that, in future, further consideration could be given to the use of public transport in order to encourage reduced use of multiple vehicles and thus support climate change priorities, however, it was acknowledged that public transport in the district was not always a feasible alternative.

Having been moved and seconded it was unanimously

RESOLVED that parking charges in council car parks be waived in Market Rasen on Saturday 4 December and in Gainsborough on Saturday 11 December in support of the Christmas events taking place on those dates.