OPINIONS are being sought on parking in Ramsbottom following a request from a business group concerned about the issue.

Members of Ramsbottom Business Group believe parking is a major problem in the town and chairman Greg Fletcher is now pleased to see Bury Council taking action.

The council is carrying out an online survey to gauge people’s thoughts about parking in the town.

It asks people for their views on the amount of parking spaces available, parking time limits and what improvements could be made.

Mr Fletcher said: “Until recently I had a shop in Bridge Street and one of the major issues that customers would want to talk about was parking.

“Local people would struggle to park outside their own homes and visitors from outside town would struggle to find parking once here.

“This was something that I have spoken about at length with Councillor Luise Fitzwalter and Karen Leach and so they conducted a survey for the business group about parking in the town centre.

“They then persuaded council officers that there was a need for a full review. Ramsbottom is a very popular tourist destination and parking is a problem.”

Ms Leach said: “I'd like to thank Bury Council for taking on board our survey results and responding to concerns about parking problems in Ramsbottom with this town-wide consultation.

“I know a similar initiative in Prestwich proved very successful. I hope that local residents, business owners and visitors to the town will get involved and have their say on this issue.

Cllr Fitzwalter said: “I am very pleased that the council has acted on our suggestions.

“Ramsbottom was built for clogs not cars and we have to find a solution which continues to support business, residents and attract visitors to the town.”

The deadline for responses is October 31.

To complete the survey: go to surveymonkey.com/r/Ramcarparking2