IN the battle to revitalise Bolton town centre one issue is always identified as crucial: parking.

Up against other retail areas like Middlebrook and the Trafford Centre, where parking is free, it automatically loses out.

So, when Bolton Council started a scheme to offer free parking at three large central car parks on weekends and bank holidays, here, at last, was something to cheer about.

Now, this has been extended for two more years at the car parks at Topp Way, Deane Road and The Octagon, which is definitely good news.

Everyone knows Bolton has suffered from a variety of recessionary problems, just like towns and cities around the country.

We might point to specific, unpopular developmental decisions, but a dearth of free parking has always been high on the list of reasons not to shop here.

Congratulations on common sense from the Council.

Fingers crossed this and other initiatives work.