A representative from the Highways department will attend the meeting to report on issues and answer questions.
Minutes:
Alex Holland, Head of Property and Asset Management, Ian Lord, Engineering Manager and Mike Owen, Executive Director of Resources and Regulation attended the meeting to report on work that had been carried out in relation to a number of issues raised at a previous meeting of the Township Forum.
It was explained that issues had been raised regarding the market in Ramsbottom. The market took up too many parking spaces meaning fewer visitors could park, the containers were old and unsightly and the traders' toilets were smelly and also unsightly.
Alex explained that a number of options had been considered including moving the Saturday market up to the site at the Toppled Urn at the top of Bridge Street. This was used for the artisan markets which were held monthly and had proved a popular site. It was explained however, that this site would not be suitable for the Saturday market as it was not a big enough site to accommodate the stalls. It was also reported that the current traders had been consulted and had stated that they would not be happy to move up to the Urn.
The other option that had been considered was to shrink the market to half of its current size and change the containers for newer, more attractive ones that were available now that the work at Radcliffe Market had been completed. It was suggested that this option should be the recommended option.
Those present were asked for their opinion and the following points were raised:-
· It was suggested that the artisan market at the urn should be a weekly event.
· Union Street should be re-opened on a Saturday to allow for more parking.
· The mess created from empty packing boxes was unsightly - could anything be done about this.
· The parking spaces should be altered to be on an angle which would be more user friendly
· The toilets near to the Urn need to be open if a market is going to be operating from the site on a regular basis.
Those present agreed that the Market should be shrunk to half its current size and the issue with the containers be reviewed. The market needed to be as vibrant as possible to attract visitors. It was also agreed that options for a more regular artisan market at the Urn site be researched.
Councillor Fitzwalter explained that a survey of parking options had been carried out with the businesses in Ramsbottom. The majority of businesses felt that two hour parking restrictions on Bolton Street would be beneficial to them. It was also explained that there were a number of other issues across the town relating to parking and depending on where a business was located parking requirements changed.
Ian Lord explained that parking was always a difficult area to tackle and involved balancing competing demands. It was difficult to get the right balance of short stay and long stay spaces. Ian suggested that Bolton Street be looked at first and other options be considered across the town.
Ian stated that he would review the closure notice on Union Street and see whether this would a viable option.
· Councillor Bevan asked whether it would be possible to apply a one way system around the Union Street area.
Ian explained that this had been reviewed in the past but he would be more than happy to have another look at it as a possible introduction.
· A member of the public stated that the pavements in Ramsbottom were in a very bad state of repair and the roads were full of potholes.
Ian explained that all problems should be reported to the Council and they would be recorded. Maintenance was being carried out right across the borough but it sometimes took a while to carry out due to the amount of work required and the people available to carry it out.
It was agreed:
1. That the suggested scheme to shrink and update the market be carried out.
2. That the level of demand for a regular weekly market at the Urn be gauged.
3. That the two hour parking restriction on Bolton street be considered and further options of parking across the town be explored.