PLANS to tackle problem parking around Radcliffe Metrolink station could be about to take a step forward.

Bury Council has launched a consultation for a scheme which could introduce measures to resolve the issues for residents living on the worst affected streets.

The possible actions include adding double yellow lines, resident-only parking bays between 8am and 6pm and ‘limited waiting’ areas.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Residents in Radcliffe who live closest to the Metrolink are sick and tired of people using the area as an overspill car park, particularly as some of the parking is terrible. Prams, wheelchairs and residents’ own cars have been blocked in.

“While it’s great that we have a Metrolink right here in Radcliffe to boost our town’s connectivity with other places, the effect on nearby roads is a real pain.”

Residents living on streets surrounding Radcliffe Metrolink station have been in uproar for several years over commuters parking outside their homes.

They claim that, as the tram stop’s car park in Spring Lane is always filled by 8am on weekdays, drivers are leaving their cars in surrounding streets, causing chaos for people living there.

Householders say that commuters travelling to Manchester and Bury are parking in and around the park and ride where there are currently no charges or resident-only parking restrictions in place.

Earlier this year almost three-quarters of householders in the Bridgefield Street, Glebe Street and East Street areas said they supported parking restrictions.

The council has now revealed more detailed proposals on how the scheme might work.

Each household in the area covered by the proposals has been written to and lamp-post and formal notices will be published.

Last month Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and Transport for Greater Manchester also announced plans to build 1,000 new park and ride spaces by the end of 2020 and discussions have been held over adding another level to the existing Metrolink park and ride in Spring Lane.

Chris Barnes, TfGM’s interim head of projects group, said: "Expanding Park and Ride is central to Our Network, the Mayor’s vision for Greater Manchester’s public transport.

"As part of this we are currently identifying sites across the city-region for new Park and Ride facilities.

"The work is in the early stages of development and potential sites are being assessed for their feasibility including suitability of the available land, potential capacity, demand and available funding.

"We will be working closely with the local community and the Council in the development of any proposals for Radcliffe.”

Cllr Quinn said: “We are working with Metrolink and there are plans in the longer term to increase the existing car park’s capacity, possibly by adding a second storey. We are also encouraging more people to walk or cycle to the stop.

"However, these things won’t provide the immediate fixes people living in the Bridgefield Street area need. This proposed residents’ parking scheme should help alleviate some of the issues faced.”

The formal consultation is open until August 5. Email transportation@bury.gov.uk or write to: Transportation Section, Residents Only Parking, 3 Knowsley Street, Duke Street, Bury BL9 OSW.