With the advent of December the countdown to Christmas has truly started - and Mid Devon’s town centres are the ideal place to shop, socialise and tick off the other seasonal essentials on your list.

It's set to be a busy few weeks with people keen to make the most of the festivities after the Covid restrictions in place last year and the Council is doing its bit to support shoppers, local businesses and markets - as well as reminding people to stay Covid safe.

---

To support local Christmas programmes and to enhance trade in our market towns, 24-hour free parking is available in the car parks below on Saturday 11 December and Saturday 18 December:

• High Street/St Saviour’s Way car park, Crediton
• Market Street car park, Crediton
• Station Road car park, Cullompton
• Multi-storey car park, Tiverton
• Westexe South car park, Tiverton

In line with revised England-wide regulations, we're asking people to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport and to take a test before meeting up with others.

In Tiverton, Market Walk is at full capacity for the first time since the Council purchased it back in 2014, so visitors have a wide variety of options to choose from when looking to get those special last minute gifts.

Councillor Bob Deed, Leader of the Council said:

“Christmas is always a special time in Mid Devon but especially so this year as people return to town centres to shop, socialise and enjoy the seasonal events.

"It's always a key period for shops, markets and businesses. This year more than ever they need us all to show them our support by shopping locally and buying the gifts, food and drink that make Christmas special.

"We all want to see our families and friends to celebrate the season so let's all take care of each other whilst enjoying these final weeks leading up to Christmas."