'County is ignoring our wishes', say Chorley traders (From Chorley Citizen)

'County is ignoring our wishes', say Chorley traders

2:57pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A TRADERS’ group has accused county officials of ‘ignoring the wishes of the people of Chorley’ after delays to plans to re-open a section of Market Street to traffic.

Last year Chorley Council, after a consultation with business owners and shoppers, announced that it would re-open Market Street to vehicles on a trial basis.

The changes, supported by the borough council, would create 30 new parking spaces along Market Street and allow traffic to travel one-way.

However, final approval for the plans needs to be granted at County Hall, where members have yet to sign off on the project saying it has ‘consequences for traffic and safety’.

Malcolm Allen, chairman of Chorley Traders’ Alliance, said: “A full consultation process was implemented with a resounding ‘yes’ to the re-opening of the street.”

Mr Allen said he understood the plans had been submitted to Lancashire County Council and were in the office of county Coun Tim Ashton, who has so far declined to approve the project.

“Why will Coun Ashton not listen to the voices of local businesses?” added Mr Allen.

Coun Ashton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am keen to work with Chorley Council and the traders, but there are consequences for traffic and safety which we have needed time to consider.

“I will be meeting with them very soon to take this forward.”

The plans will see traffic being able to travel north to south, 30-minute free parking, new planters to act as traffic calming measures and a series of crossing points.