Listening approach sparks free parking offer

Free car parking is being offered at the newly refurbished Talbot Road car park for the next three weekends.

The offer is designed to help people become familiar with the car park, which from April 1 also has a new, lower pricing policy, as well as helping to give town centre businesses a pre-tourist season lift.

It is hoped the offer will allow many people to experience the high quality, secure new car park for the first time and consider it as a town centre parking spot in the future.

The idea is also intended to help people to get to know the design and layout of the car park, making them feel more comfortable with using it.

Cllr John Jones, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “It is no secret the new car park has not been as well used as we would like.

“That’s a great shame because it is an excellent facility that is in a good location.

“What we’ve tried to do is listen and understand people’s thoughts; what the barriers are to them using the car park and what we can do to make people understand that it is a quality facility – probably the best we have in the town.

“As a result we’ve come up with this offer which we hope will also give local businesses a lift prior to the season beginning.

“I hope people will make use of it, support their local shops and let us know what they think of the car park.”

Eileen Ormand Blackpool’s Town Centre and BID Manager said: “Talbot Road Car Park is an excellent high quality asset to the town centre car parking offer.

“Blackpool town centre has such a diverse variety of businesses, which includes retail and leisure and so much more.

“This offer is a perfect opportunity to pay a visit and see what all the fuss is about.

“Talbot Road car park is open from 7am until midnight and in addition to a daytime visit, is a perfect choice to leave your car whilst exploring the town in the evening.

“Take in a show in one of our fabulous theatres or try out one of the many restaurants in the town centre.

“I urge people to take advantage of this free car parking offer from Blackpool Council and take a fresh look at Blackpool and support your town centre by keeping it local.”

From April 1 charges will be in line with those at the popular West Street and East Topping Street car parks with two hours costing just £2.50, three costing £3.50, four costing £4.50, eight for £9, 12 hours for £12 and 24 hours for just £13.