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With the Christmas shopping season in full festive swing, a final push is being made to get people supporting their local high streets this year.

South Tyneside Council is working with local businesses to kick start a town centre trade revival by urging people to shop local as they get in their final bits and pieces for Christmas.

Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Jobs, said: "Local businesses really need our support, especially at this vital time of year, so we are working hard to draw more people into our town centres and boost the Borough's economy by encouraging residents to make use of the shops and cafes on their doorstep when buying their Christmas gifts and groceries.

"Our festive events programme, which aims to attract more people into South Shields Town Centre, is well underway with a range of activities to help people get into the Christmas spirit, such as the Santa's Grotto, fairground rides and entertainment from school choirs and brass bands.

"We have also created a new 44-space car park behind Ocean Road, which offers free parking all day every day. In our remaining town centre car parks, is it also free to park after 5pm and all day on Sundays throughout December.

"We hope that the entertainment and parking arrangements will help to get the town centre bustling with visitors and ultimately have a positive impact on local traders by giving them a welcome boost in Christmas sales." 

The town centre hosts a range of places to shop, eat and drink, and many businesses are staying open later in the run up to Christmas to coincide with the free parking arrangements.

Charlie, of Charlie's Fish and Chip Restaurant in Smithy Street, next to the Metro Station, said: "Times are really tough for high streets across the country and anything that can be done to try and promote town centres and attract more visitors and shoppers has to be a good thing for business. 

"The free parking is a real bonus. We are keen to support the Council's efforts and get more customers through the door so we are offering a Happy Hour between 4pm and 6pm with a special offer of two Fish and Chip meals for £7, as well as providing a warm and inviting atmosphere where shoppers can come in from the cold, enjoy some great food, then get back to their shopping."

Mark Lowes, Customer Service Manager of Argos, said: "We are delighted that shopping in South Tyneside is being given a helping hand with the Council providing free parking after 5pm, and on a Sunday.

"Argos is open until 7pm on weekdays all year round, so shoppers can shop local for even longer, while also taking advantage of the free parking over Christmas.

"There's nothing better for local traders than the buzz of King Street when consumers are spending their money in their own community in the run up to Christmas. With South Tyneside Council working to support local businesses, providing free parking and plenty of things going on over the festive season, we hope that local people will support us."

Ewen Murray, Owner of Coffea Caban in South Shields Market Place, added: "It's important that people support their local high street. We would also encourage them to enjoy the experience of shopping and making use of the local cafes, rather than buying over the internet or going to out of town retail parks.

"The Council is making good strides to attract more people to the town centre with the activities taking place. King Street looks great - the Christmas lights are really nice and it would be lovely to see more people visiting the high street this year."

Stores extending their opening hours in South Shields Town Centre over Christmas also include high street favourites such as Marks and Spencer, BHS, Debenhams, Boots and Dorothy Perkins to name a few.

For further information about Christmas activities and shop opening times in South Tyneside visit www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk

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