BUSINESSES in Penzance are calling on shoppers to Go To Town! and help give the high street a welcome boost.
Around 50 traders have thrown their weight behind The Cornishman's latest free car parking day, offering top deals and discounts in a bid to entice people in to the town centre.
The event, due to be held on Wednesday, will see many of the town's Cornwall Council-owned car parks going toll-free for the day in a bid to boost business locally.
"I hope this will bring people into the town who wouldn't normally come in and would instead use out-of-town shopping," said Fred Keast, owner of Keast Opticians. The Alverton Street business is offering people 33 per cent or 50 per cent off selected frames as part of the Go To Town! day.
The opticians was one of the businesses that took part in the first free parking day in February.
Research carried out from the event found that 1,500 extra people entered Wharfside Shopping Centre from the Wharfside car park where free parking was on offer – a 37 per cent boost on the previous week.
Hoping for more footfall on the day, Mr Keast said it would be great to attract more people.
"If we have offers then people can come in, have a look and see what we've got."
By taking up the chance to waive the parking fee, shoppers will not only benefit from a price-crunching visit to the tills, they will also be showing their support for local businesses battling on through the current economic troubles.
Another trader hoping to see an influx of shoppers eager to part with their pennies is Tracey Forrester, of Mimi's Boutique, Causewayhead.
"I think Go To Town! is a fantastic idea and a good boost for the town and it is great that The Cornishman is running it," she said, adding that a free pair of rose earrings will be given away with every purchase on the day.
"I think Penzance is on the up. People say it is all doom and gloom but it is getting busier out there and this is another way to help that."
After being contacted by The Cornishman, former Cornwall Council leader Alec Robertson has agreed to use some of the Leader's Contingency Fund to cover the loss of income brought about by the no-ticket event.
The free parking will be available at Cornwall Council venues across the town apart from Greenmarket, Causewayhead and Penalverne.
Penzance Town Council is also showing its support for the shopping incentive day by offering up Penlee car park for free.
To make sure you can take up the offer, cut out the voucher (below) and put it in your car.
