Honiton: Council stretches to four hours' free festive parking

EAST Devon District Council has now stretched to four hours of free parking in Honiton in the run-up to Christmas.

EAST Devon District Council has now stretched to four hours of free parking in Honiton in the run-up to Christmas.

Town clerk Lyn Hargood has been told that parking will be free in the short stay section of Lace Walk car park from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday, December 23.

A spokesman for the council initially said only two hours' parking would be free.

The change-of-heart could be down to pressure exerted on the district authority by the town council and, especially, Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The cost of parking is now a major issue for the economy, retailers say.

The topic was hotly debated at a recent lunchtime meeting of the chamber.

Chairman David Hayler said: "Extensive discussions revolved around car parking charges, which occupied quite a part of the lunchtime.

"The chamber was pleased to report that, following pressure, East Devon District Council has been good enough to grant free parking after 2pm on Wednesday, December 23."

Traders also used the meeting, held at The Bird's Nest, to air their anxieties over new business rates. The local valuation officer attended the meeting to answer questions.

The chamber's Christmas dinner is being held at Monkton Court Hotel on December 10. Tickets can be reserved via the chamber's website.

The annual Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry community carol service and lighting up ceremony will take place in St Paul's Church at 5.30pm on Friday, December 4.

Slade's Countrywise has again agreed to donate a Christmas tree.