​Extra 200 car parking spaces for Ramsbottom

Plans for an extra 200 car parking spaces to help Ramsbottom businesses and residents are being drawn up by Bury Council.

The new car park will be situated on land next to Ramsbottom Pool and Leisure Centre, and will more than double the existing number of spaces on council car parks from its current 180.

The proposal is part of a wider car parking strategy for Ramsbottom, which will look at creating long-stay and short-stay car parking, along with residents-only parking zones.

Councillor Kevin Thomas, deputy cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We all know that there is a shortage of public car parking in Ramsbottom, which affects local businesses, visitors, shoppers and residents.

“We’ve been looking at how best to solve this problem for some time, given the lack of land available and the costs, and these plans should go a long way to meeting local needs.”

The scheme will have to obtain planning permission, and full costings drawn up, but it is hoped that initial work on the site will start this summer.

Council leader Rishi Shori added: “Ramsbottom has flourished in recent years, winning national acclaim for the variety and quality of its independent shops and restaurants. However, one side effect has been an increased demand for car parking near the town centre.

“We are determined to help the local economy prosper, and I’m sure local residents and businesses will welcome these proposals, which will be supported by a robust business case.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 January 2019.