THE owners of Forster Square Shopping Park have reinstated three hours free car parking over Christmas.

A decision earlier this month to reduce the free parking time limit to 90 minutes (pictured), which coincided with the opening of The Broadway shopping centre, drew heavy criticism.

A Forster Square Shopping Park spokesman said: "We have listened to our customers and our retailers regarding our proposed changes to the duration of free car parking at Forster Square Shopping Park and we are pleased to announce that the longer duration of three hours free car parking will remain over the Christmas period.

"Going forward we will continue to review car parking activity at Forster Square Shopping Park to ensure the best possible customer experience, which is our key priority."

The site’s existing car parking monitor, Parking Eye, will continue to be responsible for regulating the amount of time vehicles park at the centre.