Council encourages people to ‘shop local’ this Christmas

Date published: 1st December 2021

Residents are urged to consider supporting the economy in their local towns and to keep independent or smaller businesses in the District in mind when buying gifts and presents this year.

Many people have rediscovered the variety of local independent businesses in the District’s town centres during COVID and are encouraged to support these businesses further when doing their Christmas shopping in the next few weeks. 

As Christmas approaches we would expect our town centres to be quite busy.  However, recognising the uncertainty which exists around the new COVID variant, which has made some people more cautious about crowded spaces, North Norfolk District Council wants to deliver a message that shopping in the District’s town centres doesn’t need to be a stressful experience.

In shopping locally you can undertake many small visits and time your visit to when places are less busy.

To support our local towns the District Council is offering free parking in the following town centre car parks on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th December: 

• Cromer: Cadogan Road and The Meadow

• Fakenham: Bridge Street, Queens Road and The Limes

• Holt: Albert Street and Station Yard

• North Walsham: Bank Loke, Mundesley Road, New Road and Vicarage Street

• Sheringham: Morris Street, Station Approach and The Chequers

• Stalham: High Street

• Wells: Staithe Street and Stearmans Yard

In addition, many small and independent businesses now have an offering online offering click and collect and delivery services, so it is worth checking what is available if choosing to avoid the busier high streets and markets and shopping from home.

Cllr. Richard Kershaw, Cabinet portfolio holder for Sustainable Growth said: “This year, and every year, we ask that you consider shopping closer to home, where your custom will be most appreciated.

In doing so, you will be providing vital trade for local businesses, who are ready to ‘bounce back’ after these immensely challenging times and have so many unique and special things on offer.”