Countdown to Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Last week thousands of visitors saw the lights switched on by Olympic Gold medallist Colin Jackson in the city centre bringing a twinkle and festivity that is very much needed this year in Salisbury, Amesbury and south Wiltshire.

It’s just over a week - Thursday 29 November – to the official opening of Salisbury’s winter wonderland Christmas market and ice rink in the Guildhall Square. This year promises to be a successful festive season for all businesses and retailers in Salisbury and south Wiltshire.

But it’s not just about Christmas, there is a recognition that Wiltshire’s towns and rural communities need support all year round.  Wiltshire Council announced this week that it is allocating £8 million to support local high streets and rural communities.

The allocation of this funding reflects what’s important to local communities and it also recognises the pressures on high streets. Funding from central government and Wiltshire Council will deliver a 12-month programme of improvements.  This includes repairing potholes, improving white lining, removing weeds, improving kerbs and pavements, verges and upgrading road signs - the things that matter to our community.

We’re also suspending Sunday parking charges in all our car parks throughout the county including Salisbury and Amesbury. Encouraging shoppers and visitors is important across Wiltshire but particularly so in south Wiltshire and in the lead up to Christmas for all our local high streets.

As it’s just over a month to Christmas, it must be time to get in the festive mood. A visit to your local high street or Salisbury’s Christmas market is just what’s needed to find those unusual gifts. Don’t forget if you’re planning a visit to Salisbury to book tickets for a skate on the ice rink. You can find out more about the Christmas activities on offer on the Salisbury Christmas Market website.