Royton parking given a revamp

FREE parking will continue in Royton with more long-stay spaces created at Royton Precinct.

But traders who wanted completely unrestricted parking have lost their battle to have 48 spots in King Street changed from short-stay spaces.

Oldham Council has revealed its revised scheme for parking in Royton following further consultation with the community.

It says the aim is to retain more unrestricted long-stay parking and also make it easier for people to visit shops, services and the health centre.

The new arrangements include:

Royton Precinct changing from 58 short and 71 long-stay spaces to 129 long-stay spaces.

No changes to existing parking arrangements at King Street (48 short-stay spaces) and Park Street (40 long-stay spaces)

Three more short-stay disabled parking spaces will be added near the health centre. This scheme is being funded jointly by the Royton, Shaw and Crompton District Partnership and a contribution from the developer of the health centre.

To stop people blocking the entrances to Runnymede Court and the gravel area at the rear of the swimming pool, additional waiting restrictions will be added.

The new arrangements won;t start until April. Until then no enforcement action will be taken on King Street or the precinct car parks.

Councillor Steven Bashforth, said: “First of all I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation exercise — your views have helped us form our final proposals.

“It is clear people want to see free parking continue in Royton and we are fully behind them. We are delivering an easy-to-understand solution that is a mix of short and long-stay provision. More importantly it takes into account the needs of the local community and businesses, which is vitally important.

“We have struck a balance between enabling quick visits to local businesses and services while also offering sufficient long-stay parking provision.”

The council is carrying out similar reviews of parking provision at other local centres over the coming months.