Following Oldham’s lead

WHERE Oldham leads, Rochdale follows...albeit two years later.

Rochdale will introduce three hours free parking in all town centre car parks from next April, an initiative brought in by Oldham Council in late 2012.

Rochdale Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “The high cost of parking is one of the things killing our local high streets. The council’s priority is to support and encourage businesses as much as we can and free parking is something we know will make a big difference. Successful businesses create thriving town centres and bring much needed jobs, and that’s we really need here in Rochdale.”

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said: "I've long recognised that car parking charges are a barrier stopping people coming in to our town centre and that's why I'm really pleased to see the council taking this course of action. Even though they're operating under very tight financial constraints due to Government cuts, the council is doing all it can to support traders and help the town centre."

Rochdale found Oldham’s announcement of a new Marks and Spencers store for the town a difficult pill to swallow with “Why Not Us” comments from local business leaders.