A MOVE to free up parking spaces in Prestwich town centre will take effect later this month.

Last year, The Guide revealed details of Bury Council's plan to change the Clifton Road car park so more motorists can use it.

At the moment, people can park at the 17-space facility for as long as they wish - but from July 13, the council is imposing a two-hour limit.

From then on, drivers will still be able to park for free, but must display a ticket showing when they arrived.

The limit will be enforced from 8am and 6pm Mondays to Saturdays, except bank holidays.

A consultation period began last November and residents, shoppers and traders supported the idea.

A council spokesman said: "The plan is to help local businesses who have raised concerns that customers are unable to park on the smaller car parks due to workers leaving their cars there all day."

Prestwich Township Forum chairman, Cllr Jane Black, said: "Better parking facilities are vital to the regeneration of this area.

"Clifton Road is the first of the parking improvements we are looking to introduce in Prestwich which will benefit residents, shoppers and businesses.

"Our recent parking strategy consultation revealed a wide range of opinions on the best way to do this, and we are currently considering all responses with a view to bringing back a report to the forum later this year."