A shopping centre in Middleton which was criticised late last year for parking fees and 'unfair' fines has announced it will be extending its popular offering.

In December last year, Middleton Shopping Centre made changes to its parking system for the rest of the year after a series of complaints where shoppers said they were 'unfairly' fined by the car park due to the installation of a complex system.

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

Others said the new system was "so confusing" it deterred them from shopping in Middleton at all.

A spokesperson for Middleton Arndale admitted its pay machines were "complicated to use" and resulted in some shoppers receiving incorrect fines.

Those affected by the fines faced an uphill battle when it came to getting a refund from the car park, but the shopping centre said it rolled out free parking in December as a "goodwill gesture to support the local community and businesses in the shopping centre in the run-up to Christmas".

The spokesperson also said the free parking offer was "subject to ongoing review" while shoppers appealed their fines.

However, in a post on social media, Middleton Shopping Centre announced that free parking was offered in January and February - and now has been secured throughout the rest of March.

The decision has been met with praise by residents with many claiming the shopping centre has been "so busy" over the past few months.

A woman on social media said it was "great news" and hoped it would remain free for shoppers to continue enjoying the Arndale.

Another added: "The free parking has been such a boom for the whole centre.

"It's been noticeably busier.

"Please do seriously consider keeping the parking free for good."

Staff at Ace Clearance, a discount shop in Middleton, also encouraged bosses to keep the free parking.

"It will encourage more people to come to Middleton.

"If you are installing new machines, consider allowing shops to give customers a free parking pass if they buy products from within the centre", a spokesman added.