Support local businesses and shop local this Christmas

Published on 3 December 2021

With the advent of December the countdown to Christmas starts in earnest - and the High Peak is the ideal place to shop, socialise and tick off the other seasonal essentials on your list.

It's set to be a busy few weeks with people keen to make the most of the festivities after the Covid restrictions in place last year and the Borough Council is doing its bit to support shoppers and local businesses - as well as reminding people to stay Covid safe.

Parking in Council car parks is free on Saturdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 December and, to encourage people to rediscover and explore centres across the High Peak, gift guides featuring some of the fantastic independent shops in the area have been distributed to every household.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "Christmas is always a special time in the High Peak but especially so this year as people return to town centres to shop, socialise and enjoy the seasonal events.

"It's always a key period for shops and businesses and, this year more than ever, they need us all to show them our support by shopping locally and buying the gifts and food and drink that make Christmas special from High Peak businesses and retailers.

"We're offering free parking in our car parks every Saturday from now until the big day itself, in addition to our residents free parking permits, so there's every reason to put High Peak at the top of your list this year. We're supporting our high streets to thrive and everyone can help by shopping locally this Christmas - and throughout the New Year too!"

The Council has used Welcome Back funding to support a range of activities, including the gift guide, to ensure a safe return to towns and villages.

You may have spotted bus adverts promoting the 'shop local' and 'shop safely' messaging and there's a Facebook page - www.facebook.com/LocalGiftGuide - which during December will feature an advent calendar of daily offers.

Councillor Greenhalgh added: "Everyone is welcome to come to the High Peak and we want people to feel that it's safe for them and their loved ones so, in line with revised England-wide regulations, we're asking people to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport and to take a test before meeting up with others.

"We all want to see our families and friends to celebrate the season so let's all take care of each other whilst enjoying these final weeks leading up to Christmas."

Note to Editors

The Market Place car park in Buxton is closed on Saturdays for the town's usual weekend market and so not included in the free Saturday parking offer.