Like most towns up and down the country, Ripley is experiencing a big drop in footfall, and traders on the 'High Street' are wracking their brains to find ways of enticing shoppers back into the town centre.
One issue that is mentioned time and time again is that of the cost of parking. Other local councils have been able to provide free parking in their local car parks, but Amber Valley Borough Council are adamant that this isn't something they can't afford to do.
Now Ripley's retailers and businesses have decided to take matters into their own hands, and will launch a Parking Payback Scheme on 16th September 2013.
Under the scheme, which operates in exactly the same way as that in Heanor, shoppers can reclaim the cost of their parking when they spend over a certain value in participating shops*
Posters advertising the Parking Payback Scheme will appear in the following participating shops over the next week or so.
Polka Dot Florists
Special Days
Premier Curtains and Blinds
Scented Willow
White's Fine Jewellers
Glitz and Glam
The Phone Shop
R and K Mobility
Ripley E Cigarettes
Paul Walker Butcher
The Butchers Shop
Fowlers
CKW Computers
Cresta Gems
plus more to be announced as they sign up to the scheme.
We really applaud the efforts of our local business owners. They are showing just how much they care about their businesses and about their town - if you shop in Ripley, please take advantage of the scheme and use it when you shop to show your support. If you don't, then maybe its time to start!
*(50p for £5, £1 for £10, exclusions may apply in some shops)
