Free parking bid to boost town centre

FREE parking could come to Oldham town centre “forever”.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon revealed two hours of free parking on all council-owned car parks will return seven days a week if the public backs retailers in the build up to Christmas.

Speaking at an Oldham Council promotional event and fringe meeting at the Labour Party conference in Manchester last night, he told the Chronicle: “People need to use it or lose it.”

Shoppers will get two hours free at weekends at council owned car parks during November and December.

Mr McMahon revealed it will cost the council £500,000 a year to introduce the full seven-day scheme in 2013.

Last year visitors and locals took advantage of a maximum free stay of up to three hours on Saturdays before Christmas and motorists could use free all-day parking at the Hobson Street car park, just off Union Street.

Councillor McMahon added::“We don’t want the people of Oldham to think car parks are a cash cow for the council, we need to support our town’s retailers in the best way we can, but we also need the backing of the public.

“If we do get the support, free parking will be offered forever.”


The council leader was joined by several Labour politicians and supporters last night to showcase plans for the luxury Hotel Future and the country’s first national hospitality training academy — planned to be built next to the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Among the guests were Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, Jon Cruddas MP, Shadow cabinet member for policy review, and local MPs David Heyes and Michael Meacher.

Earlier in the day Councillor McMahon debated the party’s “foundations for growth” at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, with several other local government representatives.


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