FREE parking will be available for Christmas shoppers in Leigh.

The council is opening its car parks to to support local retailers and businesses as well as shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

The offer includes:

• Free parking after 3pm available until Saturday, January 9 in council car parks in Leigh and Wigan, including The Galleries and Water Street multi-storey car parks.

•Free Sunday parking on all the council operated car parks in Leigh and Wigan town centres to January 10.

• Free late night parking on Thursdays until 9pm on The Galleries and Water Street multi-storey car parks from Thursday 12th November through to Thursday 17th December and free parking for the whole of Boxing Day Saturday 26th December.

Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Our town centres are the perfect places for Christmas shopping with big high street names and independent outlets as well as our popular and friendly markets.

“We know shoppers appreciate parking for free. We hope people take advantage of it and have an enjoyable time getting those special gifts for the festive period Leigh and Wigan town centres.”

Car parks in Leigh taking part in the free sessions include: Spinning Gate, The Town Hall, Doctors Nook, Lord Street, The Railway Arches, Church Street.

The Civic Centre Car Park and on street Pay & Display bays are not included in the free after 3pm offer.

Vehicles entering before 3pm will still have to pay or risk being issued a penalty charge notice.