COUNCIL car parks in Leigh town centre will be free use at weekends for the next four months from Saturday.

In a full council meeting yesterday, Wednesday, the local authority's leader Cllr David Molyneux announced a free parking trial which will cover the Christmas period and will run to January 31.

There will also be no charges at weekends for people who use council car parks in Wigan town centre during this time.

Wigan Council leader Cllr David Molyneux said: “Town centres are a focal point and still a natural draw to many people.

“As part of The Deal we encourage you to support your local businesses and many people have said free parking will make them come to the town centre to pick up some essentials, grab some lunch and make the most of what we have on offer.

“This is a way for us to show our commitment to businesses and residents and recognise the importance of our town centres on the back of the changing landscape of retailers on high streets across the country.

“It’s now up to you to use that parking and support your local economy.

"That support means that we can continue to drive investment and transform these vital spaces to meet a demand from you.

"We have seen many people turn out for events like The Guardians of the Gallery which brought in more than 3,500 people in Wigan earlier this month."

Users of the car parks at Leigh Town Hall and Spinning Gate Shopping Centre will benefit from the free trial.