Free Wigan and Leigh town centre parking to be extended for two months

Free parking is to be extended in Wigan and Leigh town centres in a bid to boost Christmas trade for retailers at the end of a Covid-ravaged year.
The Galleries car park in WiganThe Galleries car park in Wigan
The Galleries car park in Wigan

To give everyone a head-start on festive shopping and encourage borough residents to shop locally, all local authority car parks will be free to use after 3pm on weekdays as of tomorrow when the national lockdown ends.

This is in addition to the long-term free weekend parking scheme already in place.

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Town hall chiefs say that having extra free car parking sessions over the next two months gives shoppers the perfect opportunity to visit Wigan and Leigh’s top high street names, independent stores and local markets.

Coun David MolyneuxCoun David Molyneux
Coun David Molyneux

The announcement comes just days after the launch of a new Support Local campaign - a collaboration between Wigan Council and small businesses in the borough - which hopes to get residents changing their shopping habits to help safeguard the local economy.

Leader of Wigan Council and cabinet member for economy and regeneration, Coun David Molyneux, said: “It’s been a tough year for businesses so it would be great if everyone supports our local economy in any way they can in the build up to Christmas and into 2021.

“Businesses have had to adapt their ways of working throughout the pandemic and our Support Local campaign has been undertaken to remind residents about all the fantastic businesses we have in the borough.

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“Our commitment for more free parking during the Christmas period is hopefully an extra incentive for residents to shop in our town centres and I hope people take advantage of it and have an enjoyable time getting those special gifts for family and friends.”

The council’s Support Local campaign will continue to celebrate stories from businesses who have successfully diversified throughout the pandemic, utilising digital means to spur their business on.

Local business owners from across the borough are leading the campaign, acting as ambassadors to encourage communities and other firms to get on board.

While the council is encouraging residents to shop in their local town centres during the festive period, it says it is important to acknowledge that coronavirus has not gone away so shoppers are urged to follow public health guidelines.

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They are also asked to remember the three Ws whenever they are out in public to help reduce the risk of transmission. These simple steps are Wear a face covering, Watch your distance and Wash your hands regularly.

Free after 3pm continues until Friday January 29. Free weekend parking continues until Sunday March 28.

For full terms and conditions, and to see where council owned car parks are located in the borough, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/carparking

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