A COMPREHENSIVE car parking strategy for Prestwich is to unveiled next month.

Residents and businesses are being invited to come along to the next meeting of Prestwich Township Forum to hear about the plans and ask questions.

The proposals result from a series of meetings between Prestwich councillors and Bury Council officers to discuss parking concerns raised by local residents.

They agreed to develop a long-term parking policy, but also to make some immediate improvements - such as turning the car park on Clifton Road into "short stay" only. Parking would be free of charge but restricted to a maximum of two hours.

The change will be implemented shortly, and members hope this will help local shoppers who have found it difficult to find a parking space close to the Bury New Road shops.

Studies have been carried out across Prestwich where there are particular parking problems, such as where residential properties are close to businesses, schools, and places of worship. This was used as a starting point for identifying possible conflict areas. Site visits have been carried out, and data gathered from previous requests and complaints.

Prestwich councillor Noel Bayley said: “For some time now we've been aware of concerns that motorists have had about parking in Prestwich, so we're acting to try to meet everybody's needs as best we can, whether they are residents or visitors, whether they are here for work or leisure.

“We know what a great place Prestwich is and we want to make it as accessible and convenient to park as possible. There are clearly many conflicting priorities and the creation of a parking strategy is an attempt to resolve these conflicts amicably.

I would encourage Prestwich residents and businesses to come along to the township forum and have their say on this important issue."

The forum will meet at the Longfield Suite at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 12.

Following the forum, there will be a period of public consultation for people to have their say.