A FREE parking scheme in Leigh town centre will be extended again for the build-up to Christmas.

To help residents make a headstart on Christmas shopping and support local business, most council-run car parks will be free from 3pm on weekdays from Friday, November 19.

This offer will continue until January with the existing free weekend parking scheme remaining in place until March.

Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “We know how popular the free parking schemes are and we hope they continue to serve as an extra incentive to shop in our town centres. 

“Our spend, support and shop local campaign is ongoing and it recognises how important this time of year is for our local economy.

“We encourage all of our residents and visitors to the borough to take advantage of this offer and support our markets, independent traders and larger stores.”

Car parks in Wigan are also included in the scheme.

The extended free parking offer coincides with the start of Frost Fest with Christmas lights switch-on, markets and parade events taking place across the borough.

Free after 3pm parking will be in place from Friday, November 19 and continues until Friday, January 7.

People are asked to note that Wigan’s Civic Centre and Chapel Lane car parks are not included in this offer with the latter still in use as a COVID-19 testing site.

Free weekend parking continues until Sunday, March 27, 2022.