Charities and volunteer groups are now able to apply for free parking permits as part of a package of support aimed at helping residents during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Swindon Borough Council’s #HereForSwindon support features measures ranging from providing council tax relief and emergency household supplies for residents facing hardship from coronavirus through to free childcare for key workers.

The Council previously announced that all NHS and social care staff would be able to apply for a parking permit, allowing them to park for free in all of the Council’s surface level car parks and on-street pay and display parking bays.

Now that offer has been extended to local charities and volunteer groups as of today (9 April).

The permit will initially be valid until the 18 June.

The on-street parking bays available for charities and volunteer groups are located in Wood Street and Market Square in Old Town; and Commercial Road, Harding Street and Sanford Street in the Town Centre. The scheme does not include barrier-controlled car parks.

All NHS and social care staff, together with charities and volunteer groups, can apply for a free permit in all of the Council’s surface level car parks, and on-street pay and display parking bays. To apply simply visit https://secure.mipermit.com/swindon

Councillor Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, said: “We are very fortunate to have some fantastic charities and volunteer groups in Swindon who are doing an incredible job supporting some of our residents who need help during this current coronavirus crisis.

“Like our colleagues in the NHS and social care they are pulling out all the stops for their community just when we need them most. I hope that by providing this free parking it goes some way to helping them during this extremely challenging time.”

Paul Moorby, CEO of Chipside, Swindon Borough Council’s parking software provider, said: “Frontline workers are doing vital work, with some risking their lives to help in the fight against coronavirus. It is our duty as innovators, business owners, and as citizens to support them in any way we can.

“Some NHS staff, care workers and volunteers have told us they are worried about receiving PCNs whilst at work. We want to take this worry away and make the process as easy as possible.”

For more information on the Council’s #HereForSwindon measures of support visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/HereForSwindon