'Free after three' starts today

Rochdale Council launched its new ‘free after three’ parking scheme today.

Shoppers will receive free parking after 3pm Monday to Friday on all Council owned car parks.

It is hoped that the initiative will encourage residents to shop in Rochdale town centre, either after work or after collecting their children from school.

Rochdale’s finance boss, Councillor Greg Couzens, said: “I am delighted that our new initiative is under way and I hope that many local residents will take advantage of the free parking. Our Town Centre is now cheaper than our neighbours in Oldham and Bury to visit.”

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “I had the chance to chat to a few local residents today who were among the first to take advantage of the new scheme and everyone gave a positive response. I am hoping that the owners of our other town centre car parks, such as the Wheatsheaf Centre, will follow the Council’s lead.

“We have ambitious plans for our town centre that include a new bus station, a sixth form college, the metro-link down Drake Street, a new arts centre and much more. Rochdale Town Centre has a very exciting few years ahead of it.”