Council extends free car parking in Bargoed

Traders and shoppers in Bargoed will welcome the news that Caerphilly county borough council has agreed to extend the period of free parking in two of the town centre car parks until after Christmas.

The authority introduced 2 hour free parking at the Emporium and St Gwladys Road 'pay and display' car parks at the end of last year as a temporary move to help boost trade in the town while major regeneration works are underway. The parking fees were due to be re-introduced this week (1st September) but the council has now agreed to extend the timescale.

Cllr Rob Gough, CCBC cabinet member for transportation and planning, said, "We are keen to support the local retailers and we recognise the difficult trading environment that businesses in Bargoed are facing. This has not been helped by the amount of construction work currently underway to help regenerate the town centre, so we feel this is an appropriate step to help support the local economy and boost trade."

It is hoped that more shoppers will be encouraged to visit Bargoed, especially in the run up to Christmas, now that the council has extended the period of free parking.

The ongoing developments in Bargoed town centre have led to a reduction in the number of car parking spaces available to shoppers, particularly due to the loss of the Cardiff Road car park to make way for the new retail plateau.

Parking is already free in the main Hanbury Road car park at the rear of the High Street, but it is hoped that this move will have a positive impact on the whole town centre.

For further information, please visit the Bargoed's Big Idea website.