Festive parking boost for shoppers

The Ilkley Independent Traders (IIT) have welcomed the news from Bradford City Council which will enable visitors to take advantage of Christmas shopping in the weeks running up to December 25.

David Giddings, of the Independent Traders, said: "We are very pleased to announce the free parking, we're really happy that we have managed to achieve something which will benefit the whole town."

Shoppers will be able to take advantage of all day parking free of charge on consecutive Sundays from November 29. During the week, parking will be free from noon on Tuesdays on December 8, 15 and 22, and also Wednesdays from noon on December 9 and 16. Mr Giddings said: "We feel this is a bit of an achievement and it is good for everybody in Ilkley, both locals and tourists."

Members of the group are also hoping the free parking on Tuesday, December 15, will encourage visitors to take advantage of their 'party night' when shops and businesses will remain open as late as 9pm. And in the meantime, the IIT will be working on other festive plans at its meeting next Monday (9) above Opulent Designs, The Grove, from 6-7pm.

l ILKLEY Conservative Association is hoping to boost trade in the town while adding to its own funds.

More than 30 businesses in the town have agreed to take part in the Association's Shopper's Passport Scheme.

For two days (November 12 and November 17) those purchasing a yellow 'passport' will be able to obtain a number of

discounts from Ilkley stores.

Organiser Robert Stell said: "This is the fifth or sixth year the scheme has been run. Hopefully it will be a boost for the town's traders. For the shopper, it can be a fun day out. Enjoy a bit of shopping and then enjoy something to eat or drink."

The passport costs £2 and can be obtained from The Craiglands Hotel, Cowpasture Road, or the The Yorkshire Sofa Company in Church Street.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.