PLANS for free weekend car parking at council car parks in Leigh town centre to continue have been put forward after receiving backing from residents and businesses.

There has been no charge to park at local authority sites in the town centre and Wigan at weekends since September 2018 when the council introduced the scheme.

And Wigan Council leader David Molyneux said car parks "have been busier than usual", helping to "boost the local economy".

The plans will be discussed at the next full council meeting on Wednesday, March 4.

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Cllr Molyneux said: “Following the introduction of free weekend parking in both Leigh and Wigan town centres in September 2018, the council’s car parks have been much busier than usual.

“The initiative has been received positively with business owners and visitors, helping to boost the local economy.

“Providing free parking demonstrates our commitment to businesses and residents and recognises the importance of our town centres on the back of the changing landscape of high streets across the country.

"Any surplus revenue generated via our car parking is reinvested into improving our local environment.

“As part of our Deal 2030 commitment to create vibrant town centres and to support our local businesses, we are proposing to extend free weekend parking into the next financial year.”

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre Karen Cox welcomes the extension to the free parking scheme too.

She said: "The free weekend car park provision is vital for our stores, our shoppers and the community.

"It is fantastic to hear that Wigan Council is supporting Leigh town centre and its economy by providing the free weekend parking offer and I am sure that our retail stores will be excited to hear the news too."