The aim of the Stroll The Street campaign is to get more people to utilise the council carparks off Comur Street.

Whether it's the Banjo Paterson carpark (opposite the Soldiers Club); the Railway Museum carpark (Lead Street); the old Shoprite carpark (behind the Club House Hotel); or the Atherfield carpark (directly opposite the old Shoprite), the impetus is on both shoppers and business owners to leave their vehicles off the main street and walk to the shops.

Economic development manager Rebecca Gowen sat down with the Tribune to explain the benefits of the initiative.

"It's an opportunity to run into someone you mightn't have seen for a while or go into a shop that you mightn't have realised was even there," she said.

"It's also a healthy living thing, the aim is 10,000 steps a day so if you can get that done while you're doing your errands around town then that's a great thing. 

"We're encouraging active use of the main street and community engagement, people might see the notices on the noticeboard at the newsagency, or see posters in shop windows of events that they mightn't have realised were happening."

With the four council carparks available free of charge all day, Ms Gowen said council is hopeful that the designated lots will start filling up. 

"It's not far to walk, so we'd like to see more and more people take advantage of their close proximity.

"Especially for the people who are here for the whole day, business owners included, I'd expect them to use these carparks and leave the spots in the main street for those who need it most."

Caravan parking is also available at the old Shoprite site. 

As a local, who works on Comur Street throughout the week at council, Kellie Jones believes strongly in the 'Stroll The Street' campaign.

"We should definitely be making better use of the available carparks off the main street because there is a problem with congestion and competition for parks," she told the Tribune.

"I see it particularly when I'm working at the pharmacy on Saturdays. The elderly, who really need the shopfront parking often have to walk a long way just to do their shopping."

By utilising the Banjo Paterson Park; Atherfield; Railway Museum; and old Shoprite carparks, Ms Jones says we'll not only be helping the less physically able but will be making the main street safer.

"Everyone I've talked to agrees that it's a simple change of routine that will make a huge difference to the community."

"Anything that helps to reduce the amount of traffic on the main street has to be a good thing.

"It's not like these carparks are far away either, they're all just off Comur Street, so it's really not a big change."