SHOPPERS WHO drive into downtown Kingston for Grand-Market shopping next Wednesday will be allowed to park in the Urban Development Corporation parking lot free.

Town Clerk Errol Greene told The Gleaner there would be free shuttle buses to the main shopping areas from the car park.

This is part of the city's attempt to lure shoppers downtown for its Grand Market and Fashion Show, the centrepiece of an ambitious plan to bring back 'the vibes' to downtown Kingston.

As part of the plan, dubbed 'Christmas in the City - Downtown Comes Alive', major retailers and streetside vendors will offer discounts of up to 50 per cent.

The committee organising the activities agreed yesterday that the shopping area would be bordered by North Parade, Church Street, Port Royal Street and West Street.

In addition, the police have pledged to increase their presence in the area, paying special attention to King, Church, Orange and Beckford streets.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding and other celebrities are expected to do some of their Christmas shopping that day.