One-way system plan dropped after public outrage

Public opposition forced the council to drop their plans for a one-way system

Plans for a one-way system in a town centre have been scrapped after opposition from hundreds of residents.

Bury Council had planned to make roads run in one direction along Bridge Street in Ramsbottom from the railway station up to Bolton Street.

But the plan saw more than 1,500 people responded in a consultation and raised concerns about increased congestion in the area.

Eamonn O'Brien, leader of Bury Council, said the one-way system would not be implemented after the "strength of feeling" that came through in the responses.

The council launched a consultation on a range of 'Streets for All' investment schemes in the centre of the town last year.

Initial proposals included changing 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.

The council said this was "specifically to tackle the conflict between pedestrians and traffic on Bridge Street".

More than 1,500 responses were sent in by the public, and concerns about congestion from the buses and lorries using Kay Brow were put forward.

O'Brien said the council planned "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".

He said: "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."