TAMESIDE Council’s reversal of controversial parking charges has earned the authority a coveted award.
A U-turn on fees in June saw the introduction of two hours free on its facilities, rolling back a 2023 decision that increased fees from £1 for three hours to £3.50.
Parking also costs £1 after 6pm and the same amount for all day on Sundays.
Now its decision has seen it given a ‘rare’ business honour for the scheme aimed at bringing more shoppers into town centres.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) presented its Business Buddy Award to Tameside Council’s executive member for towns, transport and connectivity, Cllr Stephen Homer.
The Correspondent told how dropping the charges had increased footfall in Ashton-under-Lyne.
A similar effect was also reported over the normally quiet summer holiday period, much to the delight of shop owners.
FSB’s Business Buddy Award recognises individuals, firms or public bodies that have gone the extra mile or done something particularly special for the wider small business community.
The last time it was awarded was in 2018.
FSB Development Manager for Greater Manchester, Robert Downes, said: “We very rarely issue our Business Buddy Award, but this was a no brainer when we heard what Tameside Council were doing for their high street businesses right across the borough. This will be a lifeline for many of them.
“At a time when our high streets are really struggling, it’s fantastic to see a Greater Manchester council stepping up and doing exactly what’s needed for small businesses in this way.
“I have absolutely no doubt this type of support, which as an organisation FSB has long called for, will help save many of the businesses struggling to stay afloat during one of the toughest economic climates we’ve ever seen in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
“Early indications are the free parking offer has seen footfall rise by over a third since it was introduced, and more people in town centres means more money ringing through the tills.
“Amazing work Tameside Council. Now which other town hall in Greater Manchester wants to go next?”
Cllr Homer added: “It’s fantastic to receive this independent recognition for the support our free parking is giving to Tameside businesses and town centres.
“We have listened to what businesses – and residents – have told us they need to support them, and we’ve acted.
“Our parking offer is among the very cheapest in Greater Manchester, making Tameside a very competitive place to visit, shop and do business.
“We’re seeing our car park usage continuing to increase week on week and traders are telling us they are busier, which is exactly what we wanted.
“I know there’s further work to do to support town centres, but this is a huge step in the right direction as we move forwards with our major plans to redevelop and revitalise Tameside’s towns, helping them to transform and prosper in changing times.”