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New Initiative Aiming To Shape Newport Future After Post-Pandemic Struggles

An initiative aimed at enhancing the future of a beleaguered Isle of Wight town is looking to benefit residents, visitors and customers.

Shaping Newport is a collaboration between Newport Business Association, Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

In an effort to support the recovery of the town centre after the pandemic in May 2022, Shaping Newport oversaw the introduction of a pilot initiative that saw car parking charges waived for the first hour of visitor stays at three town centre car parks, for an initial 6 months.

This was then extended to one year.

A further four-month extension was granted in May, in order to obtain more information from local businesses. The decision will then be made on whether to keep or scrap the scheme.

A spokesperson for the Council said:

"To help us with this we encourage you to complete a short survey using this link, which will remain open until  August 31: Newport Town Centre Businesses – Car Parking Survey July 2023

"Many thanks everyone, and if you want to get more involved with Newport projects, the parking initiative or the High Street HAZ Plans, do come and join the NBA.

"We work very hard but are still such a small group for such a big town."

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