SHOPPERS flocked to Leigh's new revamped Spinning Gate Mall in an unbelievable opening few days.

The £3m extension was officially opened on Friday in time for the Christmas shopping spree.

Some retailers were reported to have trebled the business they did at the same time last year with customers taking advantage of Sunday shopping.

Centre manager Ray Clarke said: "It has been an incredible last few days. This is just what Leigh town centre has needed for a long time.

"I am sure that all our shoppers will find something they want here."

However the centre opening has brought an end to parking concessions in Bengal Street, introduced last year when 100 parking spots were temporarily mothballed due to the extension work and the transfer of the outdoor market stalls to the Gas Street site.

Councillors agreed to free parking on the upper floors of the Bengal Street multi-storey while redevelopment work was underway.

From Monday, November 19 the whole of the car park will revert to being a paid-for facility, costing 60p for up to three hours, more for longer periods.