JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY SANDWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SANDWICH TOWN COUNCIL AND DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL
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REDISCOVER SANDWICH'S TREASURES
New ideas to inspire businesses and residents in Sandwich to help them through the recession were the result of a meeting between the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, Sandwich Town Council and Dover District Council at the Bell Hotel in Sandwich last Friday, (8 May).
Plans for joining together many exciting and new events in the town, with promotions by local businesses and free parking at Gazen Salts car park, are set to draw in visitors and tourists so they can rediscover Sandwich's unique and spectacular offer.
The series of events coincides with the return of the VAT reduction in local car parking charges for Sandwich that will enable the Chamber's idea for free parking to be put in place. The free parking will be in Gazen Salts car park only from 23 May 09 to Boxing Day. The times of the free parking at Gazen Salts will be: Monday to Thursday and Saturday, from midday to 3pm; Friday, from 10am all day; with Sundays already free all day at this car park.
Cllr Joe Trussler, Mayor of Sandwich said: "I consider it to be an extremely good idea to use the VAT surplus funds on free car parking to encourage visitors to the town. The meetings between Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce have proved to be extremely productive and we look forward to working together on future projects to benefit the town."
Matt Collins, General Manager of the Bell Hotel and spokesman for Sandwich Chamber of Commerce said: "I am really pleased, the Chamber has worked hard and this is the first of a number of positive steps towards reinvigorating Sandwich as a destination for visitors and locals alike to share the hidden gem we have. Free lunch time parking seven days a week with car parking free most of Friday will have a real impact on lunch trade for all shops and restaurants and be unique to Sandwich. During these difficult times it is refreshing to be working within an active Chamber and working with a Council who support the need to bring new businesses to Sandwich in an effort to reverse a trying couple of years in the town."
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David Willis, Dover District Council's Head of Business and Community Transformation said: "It is really energising to work with groups and representatives from Sandwich who are committed to making things happen that will help businesses and residents in Sandwich during these difficult times. I have no doubt that the Chamber and Town Council will continue this excellent work that will see Sandwich not only survive the impacts of the recession but flourish."
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