COUNCIL bosses will consider whether to extend free weekend parking in Wigan and Leigh town centres, according to a report.

The town hall introduced the scheme in September but a trial period is due to come to an end later this month.

A report tabled for next week’s cabinet meeting says a decision is now required as there is "strong evidence to suggest free parking provides a welcome boost to the local economy".

However, officers have warned the trial has seen a reduction in parking revenue of around £120,000 and if the offer was made permanent it would cost the council an estimated £320,000 per year.

“This may well prove a good investment if it helps to sustain and help grow our town centre economies,” the report, by director for economy and skills Rebecca Heron, reads.

A decision on the free parking scheme is linked to the council’s adoption of its new economic vision for Wigan town centre.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve a final draft of the town centre strategic development framework (SDF) next week.

The document outlines how the town hall plans to take advantage of the borough’s proposed HS2 link, an economic opportunity that has been earmarked for years by authority bosses, among a host of other measures.

The report reads: “The clear aspiration set out in the SDF is to position Wigan town centre to succeed, differentiating it from other town centres by curating a successful residential, office, leisure and retail market, supplemented by strong place-making and active town centre management.”

Although the report highlights last year’s acquisition of The Galleries shopping centre as a key aspect of the plans, specific details of any upcoming development has not been included.

The free car parking issue along with a decision on incentives for market traders have been listed in the report as "interim measures" that require immediate consideration.

“The redevelopment of Wigan town centre requires a long-term strategic approach, and whilst it is expected that significant progress will have been made by the end of the 24 month transitional period, it is acknowledged that there are no quick fixes to diversifying the town centre and placing it on a more sustainable footing,” the report adds.

If approved by cabinet next week, the SDF document will be finalised by officers and work will start on a "delivery strategy".

A further report will be presented to members in April.