Free Sunday buses and free weekday parking after 3pm are being introduced this month to encourage shoppers to spend money in Harrogate’s shops this Christmas.
Harrogate Business Improvement District, which aims to boost the town centre, is behind both projects.
The ‘free after three’ parking initiative allows motorists to park in the Victoria car park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays free of charge after 3pm.
It begins on Monday and will run until Christmas Eve.
The ‘Sunday Freeway’ initiative, which returns this year, gives people the chance to catch a free ride on one of Harrogate Bus Company’s electric buses on a Sunday.
It includes the 2A, 2B, 3 and 6 services, which link Bilton, Dene Park, The Knox, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash with the town centre. The initiative will run through December and into the New Year.
The projects are part of the BID’s Harrogate at Christmas campaign, which encourages shoppers to support local businesses after a difficult year that has seen many closures.
Harrogate BID acting chairman Sara Ferguson said:
“Because of the lockdown, traders in the town have already lost a month’s worth of business and are playing catchup.
“Now we are coming out of the second lockdown, we are launching these two initiatives to bring people into town, via two different modes of transport.”
Read more:
- Harrogate’s independent shops say they will wait to see how many shoppers return before opening late.
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The Harrogate Bus Company chief executive Alex Hornby said:
Harrogate BID launches online shopping directory with the Stray Ferret“It’s amazing news for our town – reducing emissions and congestion, while making it easier for everyone to support our local economy and get our town’s traders back on their feet.
“Harrogate’s businesses have had an incredibly tough year, with two lockdowns and continued restrictions impacting everyone. It’s now up to us all to support them as they re-open for the crucial run-up to Christmas by taking advantage of free travel.”
Harrogate BID and the Stray Ferret have joined forces to launch a new online shopping directory to support local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.
The Shop Harrogate Online site will provide customers with a one-stop-shop to buy from local retailers forced to move online by the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
People will be able to find and buy from fashion, homeware, food and drink, and beauty retailers, as well as finding services such as accountants, lawyers and other local professionals.
Sara Ferguson, Harrogate BID acting chair, said:
“We are delighted that Harrogate BID is partnering with The Stray Ferret to power this special page to encourage people to ‘Shop Harrogate Online’.
There are so many businesses that are continuing to trade during this second lockdown, and the directory will help them promote their services. For those looking to make purchases locally, it is a single point of reference.
Remember, when you Shop Harrogate Online, you are helping support the Harrogate economy and safeguard local livelihoods and jobs.
And don’t forget you can also purchase the Harrogate Gift Card, which is accepted by more than 100 local shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Every £1 loaded on to a card means £1 kept within the local economy.”
Businesses across the Harrogate district can list their website for free at thestrayferret.co.uk/shoplocal
Read More:
- New Harrogate lockdown shops say ‘fortune favours the brave’
- Campaign launched to support Harrogate shops online