New parking offer put in place for Christmas shoppers in Banbury

A new parking offer has been put in place for shoppers in Banbury.

Cherwell District Council has teamed up with Banbury Business Improvement District (BID) and Chiltern Railways to offer a short stay tariff at the railway station car park.

Motorists are now able to park for up to three hours for a flat rate of £2.50, seven days a week, available using the RingGo mobile phone app or website.

The council said that the scheme has been designed to 'encourage people to rediscover the town centre shops and support the local economy in the run-up to Christmas'.

It covers late night shopping as well, with people able to use the tariff from 7am to 11pm.

Councillor Dan Sames, Cherwell District Council’s lead member for clean and green, said: “It’s important that we support local shops and shoppers as much as possible during the run-up to Christmas, and I think this parking offer will make visiting Banbury more attractive and provide added parking. No matter the popularity of online shopping, there is nothing quite like being able to see and try what you buy.

“Banbury businesses offer an unrivalled welcome, and the chance to discover something unexpected. Businesses have gone to great lengths to make their operations COVID Secure as they prepared to reopen, and by following coronavirus measures, we can enjoy safe Christmas shopping in Banbury.”

Eleni Jordan, commercial and customer strategy director for Chiltern Railways, said: “It’s great to be able to support Banbury’s local shops with the space we have at the station and make parking easier in the run-up to Christmas.”

Stuart Moore, Chair of Banbury BID, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Chiltern Railways and Cherwell District Council again this year, to provide additional parking spaces to town centre shoppers at a very reasonable cost. We hope that this will further encourage people to come into town to enjoy visiting the many shops, restaurants and cafés that Banbury has to offer."