Charges will be waived to encourage more people to visit the towns, attend seasonal events, and support local businesses during the festive period. This initiative is part of the council's efforts to foster thriving town centres.
In Braintree, parking will be free on 14 and 15 November to coincide with the Braintree Christmas Street Market. Following a one-week break, charges will be suspended again for the final four weekends before Christmas.
In Witham, parking will be free on all five weekends before Christmas, starting on 21 and 22 November to align with the Witham Christmas Fayre. Funding has also been allocated to Witham and Halstead town councils to support local celebrations.
Plans are underway for a Braintree festive events programme, which will coincide with the Saturdays offering free parking. Cllr Tom Cunningham, Leader of Braintree District Council, stated that a series of events are being developed to bring the community together and celebrate heritage and creativity, involving residents, artists, and various organisations.
“"The lead-up to the festive season is an ideal opportunity to bring people together, support local businesses and celebrate our communities. Thriving town centres are exactly the kind of thing we want to achieve through the OUR Braintree District campaign, so we’re pleased to play our part."
“"We’re currently putting together a series of events that will bring the community together, while celebrating our heritage and creativity. We're working with residents, artists and a range of organisations, including public sector partners, charities, community groups and businesses to ensure that the events cover a wide range of what makes Braintree a great place to visit."
Details of Braintree’s festive events programme are expected to be released in early November.
