Free parking will be available during race week in Cheltenham.

Parking in all car parks run by Cheltenham Borough Council will be free of charge every afternoon, from 1pm onwards during Cheltenham race week (13-17 March).

The initiative hopes to encourage shoppers to visit the town during race week festival and to show support for the festival as well as for local retailers and businesses.

The car parks allowing free parking are: Bath Parade, Bath Terrace, Cheltenham Walk, Commercial Street, High Street, Coronation Square, West End, Regent Arcade, Rodney Road (maximum stay four hours), Sherborne Place, St Georges Road, St James Street and Town Centre East (formerly Grosvenor Terrace)

It is hoped that motorists, on average, will save around £3 per day on parking.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "Cheltenham benefits greatly during race week, it's a great atmosphere and visitors love coming here.

"But we do recognise that it can be a quiet time in the town centre and we hope that the free parking will encourage those who aren't watching the races to come and enjoy what the retailers and businesses have to offer.''

Kevan Blackadder, director of Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), said: "There is a mistaken belief by many local people that Cheltenham town centre is best avoided throughout the duration of race week.

"In fact, once racegoers head up to Prestbury Park ahead of the early-afternoon start of the racing, the town centre not only remains open for business, but is easily accessible.

"I'm delighted that the council is supporting town centre businesses by again providing free parking in its car parks throughout the week. I would recommend that shoppers take advantage and head into town."

Free afternoon parking during Race Week will only apply to council run car parks listed.

It does not apply to Chester Walk, North Place, Portland Street, NCP The Brewery or any other privately run car park in the town centre.

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