Free parking scheme extended ahead of festive season

Free parking offers in Wigan and Leigh town centre has been extended again for the festive season.

A majority of local authority run car parks will be free after 3pm on weekdays, in addition to the free weekend parking that is already in place.

This already popular scheme has been also extended further this year, with on-street parking in Wigan town centre (excluding Wigan Lane) also free after 3pm and every weekend.

The weekday scheme has already started and will continue through to Friday, January 5, and is designed to support local businesses and help residents organise their Christmas shopping.

Wigan Council’s Frost Festival schedule is also underway with a host of events across the borough in the lead up to the big day.

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “We have introduced the extension of the free parking offer for a number of years now as we know it’s a popular one that makes a difference for our independent traders and residents at this busy time of year.

“Through our Love Local campaign we enjoy encouraging our households to spend in their local communities and we know how important this period is to our town centres.

“Please use the offer as much as you can, whether it’s making a head-start on your Christmas shopping or visiting one of the many events being hosted in Wigan and Leigh.”

Please note that not all local authority owned car parks, such as the Civic Centre in Wigan, are included in the offer and visitors are asked to check before parking.

In Wigan, the car park offer includes Harrogate Street, Water Street multi-storey, Mona Street, Sovereign Road, Trencherfield Mill, Pennyhurst Street, and Haig Street.

In Leigh it extends to Leigh Town Hall, Doctor’s Nook, Church Street, Lord Street and Spinning Gate.

Residents are reminded that the Grand Arcade is not a council owned car park.

For full details and to see where council owned car parks are located in the borough, visit Car parks and charges.

For programme updates and information on Frost Fest, see Visit Wigan.