COUNCIL chiefs have handed the city’s shoppers and businesses an early Christmas present with a £150,000 investment.
The funding is behind the decorations that are bringing joy and colour to the city centre and many of the major festive events across the yuletide season, including the lights switch-on, the Victorian Fayre, and the Christmas Gift Market that came to an end on Wednesday (December 22)
The festive programme has helped attract residents and visitors to shop safely with the city’s unique mix of independent retailers and national brands, and the many visiting traders who have been part of the city’s festive markets.
And the cash boost has been welcomed by hard-working local traders such as Mark Rasdall, of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop in the High Street.
“As a small independent business we have been hugely indebted to Worcester City Council for their support over the Christmas period. The Victorian Fayre, in particular, brought huge numbers of visitors – new and familiar – to our sweet shop.”
Yue Yue, manager of the Ping An Oriental in Pump Street, said: “The City Council has helped provide a really positive environment for my business. The Victorian Christmas Fayre was a huge success for Ping An and a testament to the organisation, marketing, and general hard work from all those involved within the council.”
Council leader, Coun Marc Bayliss said: “We have pulled out all the stops this year to cover Worcester in festive glory, to bring seasonal cheer to our residents and visitors, and to support our city’s many high quality traders in what continues to be a very difficult time.
Shoppers can park for free in all 14 of the City Council’s car parks after 3pm until Christmas Eve (Friday).
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/parking for more.
