More free and reduced car parking introduced at Ashton Market

More free parking is to be provided for shoppers and traders at Ashton Market while redevelopment work continues.

Free parking is already available all day on Saturdays and Sundays at Union Street, with reduced parking charges at Old Cross Street of £1 for up to three hours throughout the week.

The offer is now being extended to include Church Street 1 Car Park with up to three hours parking for a quid throughout the week.

The move comes after Tameside Council announced a consultation on parking.  

The consultation will run until Wednesday March 12.

You can give feedback via the consultation at www.tameside.gov.uk/parkingreview or by emailing parkingreview2025@tameside.gov.uk.

At the market, existing stalls have been removed and the outdoor market relocated to Fletcher Square.

In the coming weeks, work will begin on constructing the new canopy area, ready for the relaunch of the market early next year.

 Cllr Stephen Homer, executive member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity said: “We are committed to minimising the inevitable disruption for businesses, traders, and visitors. The reduced and free parking offer will hopefully support footfall in the town centre, and I would encourage everyone to continue to visit and shop local.”

Meanwhile, the market will be promoted at a special event on Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Love in the Market will see live music, puppetry, performance and free family entertainment come to Ashton Market Hall.

A spokesman said: "Love in the Market" promises an unforgettable day filled with diverse live performances from local bands, captivating puppetry, and interactive crafts - all designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages."

Highlights will iunclude live music from the Retro Pops and Rumbi Tauro, theatre and puppetry as well as Valentine's Day theme workshops led by local artists.

A photography exhibition - titled 'Stories Behind the Stalls' will showcase traders.

The event will be culmination of months of hard work by students from Tameside College as part of the Tameside New Creatives programme.

Councillor Leanne Feeley - Tameside Council executive member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, said" ‍“This event will really showcase the hard work undertaken by the students and the brilliant practicals kills they have learned over the last few months."