Hull BID has joined forces with the major shopping centres to help put shoppers on the road to some New Year sales bargains.

All major stores in the city and many independent retailers will be open for business on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, which fall on a Saturday.

But shoppers faced having to make their own way into the city until Hull BID intervened to help EYMS and Stagecoach get buses on the road.

Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID City Centre Manager, said the Saturday start to 2011 particularly posed a problem which her organisation was perfectly-placed to resolve.

Hull BID has secured the resources to underwrite services by EYMS and Stagecoach with support from Princes Quay Shopping Centre, St Stephen’s Shopping Centre and the Prospect Centre.

Peter Shipp, Chairman and Chief Executive of EYMS, said his company already operates services on Boxing Day but the deal will put their buses on the road on New Year’s Day for the first time in his memory.

Peter said ““Hopefully the public will support the services and we will benefit along with the shops and Hull BID. It’s something of an experiment but if it proves worthwhile we’ll consider doing it again.”

Jon Donnelly, Commercial Manager for Stagecoach in Hull, said the partnership approach would enable his company to operate services on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

“Without partnership working there was a danger nothing would have been provided,” said Jon.

Kathryn added: “If by underwriting the cost of the bus services we do have to use some of Hull BID’s funds and the very welcome contributions from the shopping centres then we’ll see it as a worthwhile investment to help generate trade for our member businesses.

“Hopefully though the services will be used by enough passengers to enable the bus operators to cover their costs and everyone will be a winner.”