Ipswich is gearing up for Christmas - with parking and transport offers being launched to entice shoppers into the town centre.
Ipswich Central and the borough council have linked up with transport companies and car park operators to make it as cheap and easy as possible for Suffolk shoppers to bring their spending power to the town.
Last year’s successful Quids In promotion is being repeated – and this time it will include First Bus services from Kesgrave and Martlesham, and on the company’s town routes.
Ipswich Borough Council leader David Ellesmere said: “It is important that we make Ipswich as attractive as we can for Christmas shoppers.
“To mark the seasonal launch on November 16, we will offer £1 parking all day on that day in Ipswich Borough Council car parks.
“We have also joined up with the county council to offer free park and ride travel on each Sunday in the run-up to Christmas.
“In addition, we will be continuing our ‘Quids In’ £1 after 3pm parking campaign during the week.
“These bold moves will help visitors and businesses at this important time of year and help to ensure that Ipswich, with its fantastic entertainment and events package, offers the best festive offer to people from across the region.”
Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central said: “Retailing is changing, and marketing and offers will be crucial to attracting more customers for the wider Ipswich Christmas experience. This joint proposal between Ipswich Borough Council and ourselves is what levy payers have told us they want.”
Jackie Norbury, manager at Marks and Spencer in Ipswich, said: “The Ipswich Christmas marketing campaign is a great way to raise awareness of what Ipswich has to offer throughout the festive period.”
The “Quids In” fare applies after 3pm on Mondays to Fridays on Ipswich Buses and First Buses coming into the town centre.
Ipswich Buses managing director Malcolm Robson said: “We are pleased to offer residents and visitors alike these great deals and to make it as easy as possible to enjoy Christmas in Ipswich.
“We are also adding all park and ride services to the Quids In offer so its only £1 for any journey into central Ipswich after 3pm on weekdays as well as the free park and ride on Sundays.”
Chris Speed, business manager for First in Ipswich, said: “We are delighted to deliver the Quids In scheme along with our partners.
“The offer covers our entire zone 1 area which includes town routes serving Chantry and Pinewood, Bixley, Greenwich, Gainsborough, Kesgrave and Martlesham Heath as well as inter urban services as far as Martlesham, Warren Heath and Needham Market.”
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