A CAMPAIGN across Gwynedd is underway to support local businesses by providing free parking in all council-run car parks on ‘Small Business Saturday’.

Small Business Saturday on 5 December is a national campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

Gwynedd Council will be providing free parking in each of its public car parks on this date, this is in addition to festive parking that will be available from 12 to 26 December.

Gwynedd Council’s Small Business Champion, Cllr Sian Gwenllian said: “Small local businesses are the backbone of Gwynedd’s economy, and as a council we are committed to doing everything we can to support them.

“I am pleased that parking will be free in council car parks on 5 December to note Small Business Saturday, and I hope this event will provide an opportunity for the county’s residents to get behind local traders in the run-up to Christmas and make the most of the wonderful gift ideas and fantastic local produce we have here in Gwynedd.”

As part of the Small Business Saturday celebrations locally, the council will be launching its Buy Local Gwynedd scheme.

During the Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair, the council will officially be launching the Buy Local Scheme on Saturday, 5 December with a stall at the event to highlight the wide variety of produce that Gwynedd businesses have to offer.

Cllr Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for economy said: “Gwynedd Council is committed to doing everything we can to support the county’s businesses.

“This is especially important in the current challenging economic climate and as part of our efforts to revitalise and improve the image of our town centres, we are encouraging local residents and visitors to the area to shop locally in Gwynedd.

“As part of the Buy Local Scheme, we aim to encourage the county’s businesses and residents to make the most of the fantastic companies based in Gwynedd. By buying local, you support the local economy and Gwynedd jobs and play your part in ensuring that our towns and villages are vibrant and exciting places to visit.

“I’m delighted that we will be officially launching the Buy Local Gwynedd scheme on Small Business Saturday. This is a fantastic way of promoting the vast array of smaller companies we have and drawing attention to the products and services they offer.

"As well as the Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair, we are also working with the Aberdyfi Christmas Fair and Bangor Christmas Celebrations which will also be held on 5 December to encourage Gwynedd residents to support local producers during the festive period.”