Northumberland County Council’s cabinet has agreed to allocate funding to improve parking in Wooler which will in turn help to support local shops and services. 

Work will take place to improve the infrastructure to the existing car parks at Padgepool Place in the centre of town and Riverside car park.  Plans are also in place to convert them from long stay to three-hour maximum stay to support increased turnover of parking spaces. 

Both car parks are currently well used by people working in the town as well as by walkers accessing the surrounding countryside, meaning they are generally full all day. This low turnover of spaces can have an adverse effect on the town centre economy. 

The changes will encourage more people to use the new long stay parking facility in the town which is situated on the site of the former Wooler First School which is only a short walk away from the town centre - freeing up the town centre car parks for shoppers. 

Northumberland County Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member with responsibility for Improving our Roads and Highways said: 

“Wooler is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination and with the opening of the Ad Gefrin Distillery visitor centre and distillery, we're seeing a steady rise in visitor numbers to this beautiful town.  

“In order to support local businesses, we want visitors to spend time in Wooler, to enjoy themselves and to leave with a positive impression. Having adequate car parking is fundamental to the visitor experience.” 

Riverside car park will be resurfaced to allow bays to be marked to maximise capacity and allow the provision of disabled bays.  New ‘rapid’ electrical vehicle charging provision will also be installed. 

Local ward councillor Mark Mather added: 

"It is very important that we have the correct facilities to ensure both local residents and tourists have the best possible access to our fantastic high street, Cheviot Center and business on south road. The free car parking I hope shows the councils commitment to support local businesses"