A car park in Rochdale has announced changes to its parking system for the rest of the year after a series of complaints.

The car park situated at Middleton Shopping Centre has been met with "concerns" about its new parking system, the centre admitted in a post on social media.

Shoppers claim to have been fined by the car park in recent weeks, even after purchasing a ticket, due to what they describe as a complex system.

Drivers are required to remember the time they entered the car park when purchasing a ticket but have been "caught out" by a matter of minutes and slapped with a £60 fine.

Others have simply said the new system is "so confusing" it has driven them to park, or even shop, elsewhere.

In a bid to continue to attract customers over the Christmas period, Middleton 'Arndale' said it has listened to concerns and has announced parking will be free for the remainder of 2022.

In a post online, the shopping centre announced: "Whilst we work to make the system simpler for you to use, please enjoy free parking for the remainder of 2022."

But there were mixed reactions on social media from shoppers with some celebrating the "good news" and commending the centre for listening to complaints.

"Let's hope the new system gets sorted soon so no more custom is lost to local traders. Times are hard enough as it is", one comment read.

Staff members were also pleased with the change with one claiming it will save them £4 a week while another said they had been worrying about getting a fine every time they come to work.

Meanwhile, others said they had already been caught out by the "rubbish system" and that the car park should be free all year round.

A woman said: "Small towns are struggling against giant retailers - they simply can't compete.

"By giving free parking, this will keep people staying local and supporting local businesses."

Another agreed: "It should be free all the time. 'Midd arndale' needs all the help it can get."

Middleton Shopping Centre has been approached for comment.