Free Saturday parking to start in August

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Visitors to Rochdale and Middleton town centre can enjoy free parking in any council car park on Saturdays from 7 August, following council plans to extend free parking.

Following the launch of the popular ‘free after 3pm’ parking initiative launched last year, now parking in Rochdale town centre, Middleton town centre and ‘on street’ pay and display areas will be free all day on Saturdays.

Parking is already free on Sunday, but the council hopes that the move to extend it all weekend will see an increase in shoppers.

Deputy Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said:"We want to encourage people to shop locally, and Saturday is traditionally a popular shopping day. Everyone is feeling the pinch, and we are delighted we have been able to bring forward this measure to support residents, visitors and businesses.”

The scheme will be trialled for six months and be reviewed by the council after three months and again at the end of the trial.

The car parks included in the scheme are:

On street: (Rochdale)

Esplanade, Packer Street, Oldham Road, Drake Street, St Marys Gate, Smith Street, Fleece Street, Nelson Street, King Street, Church Lane (inner), South Lane, Hunters Lane, Cheetham Street, Yorkshire Street, Newgate, Church Lane (Outer), Water Street, Whitehall Street.

Off street: (Rochdale)

Bus Station,Back Oldham Road, High Street, Whitworth Road, Wet Rake Gardens, Church Lane, Eastgate, Reed Hill, Broadfield Upper, Broadfield Lower, Town Hall Square, Cheetham Street, Union Street, Upper Yorkshire St, Greenwood Street.

Off street: (Middleton)

Middleton Archer, Limetrees, Chapel Street, East View, Market Place

Impact Partnership who manage the parking services throughout the borough on behalf of the council, have been working to ensure all relevant signage is in place throughout Rochdale and Middleton in time for the launch date.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/44226/free-parking-on-a-saturday