Free afternoon parking in Wrexham

Plans to introduce free afternoon parking at most council-owned car parks in Wrexham have been approved. It is hoped the 12-month trial, expected to start in April, will increase footfall in the town centre, boosting local businesses.

Parking will be free after 2pm at all council car parks except the multi-storey above the Ty Pawb arts centre.

Council leader Mark Pritchard said: “This is much better for shoppers and what we are looking for is for a long term cultural change to encourage more town centre traffic and shopping in the afternoons.”

During the trial, factors such as footfall and car park usage will be monitored to measure the initiative’s success.

Councillors have been told the trial would result in a reduction of £180,000 in council income, which would be addressed as part of the budget process for next year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.