Oldham Council has made approximately 126 additional parking spaces available at Town Square Car Park, starting from Monday 9 November.

The extra capacity is meant to make visiting the town centre easier during one of the busiest trading periods of the year. The council links it to the success of the new market and the growing popularity of The Loom, and to a programme of autumn and winter events including the Feast of Fire on Saturday 31 October and the Christmas Switch-On on Saturday 14 November, during Oldham's year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

The car park opens Monday to Saturday 7am to midnight and Sunday 9am to midnight.

James Kington, Oldham Council's Director of Growth, said: "We're delighted to be able to make additional parking spaces available at Town Square Car Park ahead of the festive season."

He said the success of the markets and events programme, particularly at The Loom, had helped attract more people into the town centre, and that the council wanted to make it as easy as possible for residents and visitors to enjoy everything Oldham has to offer.

He added that parking availability is important for businesses and visitors while work continues to transform and improve the town centre. Releasing the additional spaces was another step in supporting the festive trading period, he said.

Essential ongoing works will still need to take place in the new year, alongside the wider town centre regeneration. The car park, or sections of it, may need to close temporarily so that work can be carried out safely, and the council says any future closures will be communicated in advance wherever possible.