IS FREE PARKING IN BRIGG AFFECTING USE OF OUR TRAINS?

Paul Johnson, of the Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Line, has kindly informed us of discussions that took place during a meeting yesterday (Thursday, August 27) about train useage at Brigg station.
It was held at Hewson House, Station Road, and  attended by representatives of The Friends,  North and North East Lincolnshire Councils, Brigg Town Business Partnership, Gainsborough Rail and Bus Users Group and a retired railwayman.
Paul says the meeting was called by Brigg's Station Adopter who is concerned at the decline in patronage of the Brigg line by passengers originating in North East Lincolnshire, despite the fact that, overall, there continues to be marked growth in passengers using the line, most notably in travellers TO Cleethorpes. 
It was noted that Brigg had introduced free parking all day on Saturday "and that may be a significant contributory factor to the decline."
To encourage rail use in travelling to Brigg ( and for that matter Kirton in Lindsey and Gainsborough) it was suggested that small, but attractive, discounts should be available to rail ticket holders from  a range of  local businesses  that would enable  a wide demographic  to be reached. 
Examples given were 10% off a cup of coffer or a pint of beer. 
Attracting CAMRA and other beer aficionados to travel by train to sample the wide range of beers on sale in Brigg, especially people from Grimsby,  would be worthwhile, as they will not need to use cars - for obvious reasons.
Forthcoming events to promote are:

• Sat 5 Sept Briggstock music festival form 10.30 am
• Sat 12 Sept Peanuts a Flutter - Tudor celebrations from 10am to 2pm
• Sat 24 October Autumn Food Festival
• December - Father Christmas arriving by train.

Paul says Brigg Town FC is sending out a flyer to away supporters to invite them to travel by train receive a discount at the bar with their rail ticket.