Latest steps in plans to improve centre of Ramsbottom

Changes are being made to plans to improve pedestrian safety in Ramsbottom following widespread consultation with local residents and businesses.

More than 1,500 responses were received during discussions in late 2024 on a range of Streets for All schemes. The proposals were designed to help improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists around Ramsbottom town centre, creating widened footways, a 20mph zone and new pedestrian crossings.

The proposals also included a one-way system for vehicles, which specifically sought to tackle the conflict between pedestrians and traffic on Bridge Street.

While some elements of the Streets for All scheme were supported, such as footpath improvements and new crossings, the proposed one-way system generated significant concerns relating to the use of Kay Brow for HGVs, a perception that it would lead to increased congestion, and the potential impact on access for emergency services.

The council has now decided that, following the consultation, it will not proceed with the one-way system.

Instead, it will concentrate on delivering the proposals that were supported by the community, as well looking at wider opportunities to improve cycling and walking routes to the town centre.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “The volume and strength of feeling expressed during the consultation highlights the importance of Ramsbottom town centre to the local community. Local councillors in Ramsbottom echoed much of what the community said.

“That’s exactly why we reached out to residents to consult, to listen, and we can now show that we have changed our approach in light of that feedback.

“We plan to move forward with elements of the town centre proposals that received clear public support, such as safer pedestrian crossings, and will not be implementing a one-way system. We will also be improving some walking and cycling routes to and from the town centre. These improvements will bring real benefits to the local community.

“They will be delivered using the funding we've secured for Ramsbottom through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). We will be consulting on the details of these plans later in the year to ensure residents continue to have a voice in shaping the future of their town.”

The CRSTS funding is capital investment ringfenced for walking, cycling, and sustainable transport and cannot be used to fund other day-to-day revenue spend such as maintaining the roads or creating more parking.

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 September 2025.