RADCLIFFE is a Mecca for shoppers!

Well, we do have an indoor market (on it’s way back from the brink we hope) we have a library (just) we have a medical centre, dentist, charity shops cafes hairdressers and manicurists abound.

A few pubs, a bookies, bike repairs, florist, card shops, a butcher, a jewellers, a newsagent, banks and a post office and, of course, an array of fast food outlets.

Not forgetting the clothing alterations/repairs shop and dry cleaners.

So with this plethora of retailers, it’s a blessing that Radcliffe has so much free parking to welcome and encourage visitors to our town centre . . . that would be true if one could actually find an empty space.

Now, to be fair, this is not because Radcliffe is a busy and buzzing shopping town, even if we do aspire to being such.

The real reason it’s difficult to park is because we also have a Metrolink Station, and although this has its very own and recently expanded car park, it appears that Radcliffe car parks have become the overflow for commuters working in Manchester.

This means that from early morning to early evening, those needing to visit the medical centre or simply shop in Radcliffe will struggle to find a parking space.

Now I am not under any circumstances advocating parking charges, that would kill our town..

However, I am suggesting that some kind of restriction needs to be put on our car parks, other than the Metrolink's own car park obviously.

Four hours would allow bona fide Radcliffe visitors to go about their business, but would deter the all day Manchester commuters who currently choke up our town.

Even the parking bays in Deansgate Church Street West and Dale Street, which are already time restricted to encourage free flow, are frequently abused by selfish Radcliffe workers who park in them all day because they know we never see a police officer or parking warden.

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