Christmas parking present for Lancing shoppers

Shoppers in Lancing will receive an early Christmas present this festive season as Adur District Council waives charges at its car parks for all four Saturdays in December.

The aim of the move, which was introduced after discussions with traders, is to encourage people to shop local in the run up to Christmas and boost footfall on some of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Visitors will have an extra incentive to head to Lancing on December 21 when the Village Christmas Market will see dozens of traders set up in North Road for a family-friendly festive extravaganza.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “With the festive period on the way, it's important that we do what we can to encourage people to buy local and shop in their nearby high streets.

“The idea of free parking has been championed by the Lancing Traders Association. While there will be a small financial outlay for the Council, I believe this early Christmas present will give people an incentive to see what the excellent independent shops in the village have to offer - and then come back time and time again in the future.”

Heidi Rush, of the Lancing Traders' Association, said: “I want to thank the Council for their generosity in waiving the car park fees on these extremely important shopping days and look forward to welcoming people into the village to support their local traders.”

The free parking will be in place on December 7, 14, 21 and 28 at North Farm Road, Littlecroft and South Street car parks. 

Demand is likely to be high for the third of those four dates as it coincides with the Lancing Village Christmas Market, run by the award-winning Adur Markets team in partnership with Lancing Parish Council.

Dozens of local traders have already confirmed they will be at the event selling a range of local Sussex produce and homemade goods, which will take place from 9am and 1pm.

Anyone who wishes to run a stall at the event can email markets@adur-worthing.gov.uk or call 07738 848 393.