Park for free after three

Rochdale Council has made parking free after 3pm on all pay and display car parks across the borough.

Earlier this year the Council froze charges at the same level for the second year running but now Councillors say they must do more to encourage business across the town.

Councillor Greg Couzens, portfolio holder for Finance and Highways, said: "Due to the severity of the economic downturn further action is needed to support our local businesses within our town centres.

"I am pleased to announce that parking will now be free after three."

In January, Council officers had proposed an increase in the charges to make up a budget shortfall but elected councillors opted not to up the prices and made assurances that Rochdale's parking prices were cheaper than those in Oldham and Bury.