Good start to final week of festive shopping in Navan

Christmas shopping in Navan has got off to a good start in the last week or so, according to a snap survey carried out by local independent councillor, Francis Deane. He said that Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th December, provided a good "kick-start" to the shopping season and there was an optimitsic feeling throughout the town. "On Trimgate Street, the week beginning the 19th December started off well with footfall along the streets considered to be significantly increased," he said, adding that a number of local traders had described the past few days as being good, with people at ease shopping and with no worries about feeding parking meters due to free on-street parking. He said that present-day retailers faced competition from online shopping and from neighbouring towns and shopping centres. "Free parking and the 'shop local, stay local, message is hoped to generate much-needed revenue. Consumers are price-conscious and the retailing community are offering great value," he said. However, some shop-owners and managers are complaining that employees of local businesses and offices are abusing the free parking initiative instead of availing of the free parking in off-street locations and he repeated an appeal to "please free up the town during the last few days". Cllr Deane, a former Navan retailer himself, said there had been been praise about the Christmas atmosphere as a result of Navan's wonderful new festive lighting. "Navan looks very well. Come and see for yourself!" he added. The weather forecast promises exceptionally mild weather compared to the last two Christmasses, which should help set tills jingling for local retailers.