FREE PARKING in Leigh town centre has been extended in time for Christmas.

From Thursday, November 15 until January 4, people will be able to leave their vehicles in council car parks in the town centre every weekday after 3pm for no charge.

This is in addition to free weekend parking at local authority sites up until January 31.

The scheme will also apply to Wigan town centre council car parks.

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

“Our markets are ideal for Christmas through their high quality produce, friendly service and value for money.

“We know shoppers appreciate parking for free while they shop so we have once again introduced the free after 3pm car parking sessions, which is in addition to the extremely popular weekend free parking.

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

The parking will come in time for Leigh's Christmas lights switch-on which takes place on Thursday, November 22 from 4pm and the town's Santa parade on Sunday, November 25.

Cars which park up before 3pm at the town centre car parks will still have to pay.

In Wigan, the Civic Centre, Walton Street and Chapel Lane car parks are not included in the scheme.

To check if people are parking in council-owned sites visit wigan.gov.uk/carparking.