Plans to create a one way system around the cramped roads of Ramsbottom town centre have been abandoned after an overwhelmingly negative response from residents.
Plans to create a one way system around the cramped roads of Ramsbottom town centre have been abandoned after an overwhelmingly negative response from residents.
Under a propsoed ‘Streets For All’ investment scheme launched late last year, Bury council suggested the introduction of changed traffic flows to make the roads one way going up Bridge Street from the railway station up to Bolton Street and then one way coming down Kay Brow leading onto Railway Street.
Other improvements were also suggested, including new road crossings, better pavements and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit.
More than 1,500 responses were received during discussions and public events on the matter and additional informal meetings were set up
at the town’s cricket club where residents and local businesses put their views forward.
It’s fair to say the one-way plans did not go down well.
When the Local Democracy Reporting Service sought the views of people from the town on changing traffic flows, the response was universally negative.
Rick Pilkington, said: “I think a one-way system is the stupidest idea I’ve heard in a long time.
“The type of thing someone who doesn’t know Ramsbottom and has no idea about the issues would think up. “The traffic bad enough as it is without restricting it further.
“There will be residents who will have to do a tour of Rammy every time they leave their house and the traffic will back up right up to Holcombe Moor.”
Reacting to the today’s announcement Ramsbottom councillor Gareth Staples-Jones said he shared concerns about the proposed system and
was glad that the council has taken heed of townsfolk’s views.
He added: “Everyone supported the updated road safety improvements so those are the bits the council will move forward with.
“Local councillors have had several meetings on this, all the way through we echoed concerns specifically about traffic congestion and Kay Brow with HGV’s in winter.
“We had a consultation, people gave their views, people elect local councillors to represent their views, so that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Others have reacted to the decision to scrap the plans on the MEN’s Facebook page.
Philip Smith-Lawrence, said: “It’s great news the one-way system has been scrapped after such a public backlash. “Are we seeing actual democracy at work?”
Johanne O’Rourke Corbett, added: “Its’ already a nightmare to negotiate.”
Replying to Coun Staples-Jones, Julie Moran, said: “What a waste of Bury council’s money in the first place in even suggesting such an idea in the first place, love to know what the total cost came to.”
The council said it will now 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.
Coun 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.”
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