OPENING up its car parks for free at weekends will cost Wigan Council an estimated £250,000, its leader has said, but is hoped to provide a bigger boost for the local economy.

The town hall announced two weeks ago it will scrap charges in Wigan and Leigh town centres up to January, 2019 as part of an extended pilot scheme.

David Molyneux said "difficult decisions have to be made" with high street retailers facing a changing landscape and free parking is "what local people want".

The council has in previous years run a similar scheme over the Christmas season but has opted for an extended period this year.

“Difficult decisions have to be made and this decision will result in a loss of around £250,000 per year but we do believe that this will ultimately have a positive impact on our local economy as many people have said that free parking will make them come to the town centre,” Cllr Molyneux said.

Bolton Council already operates a scheme where car parking is free at weekends at three multi-storey car parks at the Octagon, Deane Road and Topp Way.