A NEWSAGENT fears he could be forced to give up his business following plans to put double yellow lines outside his shop.

Bill Devonport and his 59-year-old wife Sylvia say proposed parking restrictions in Belmont Road, Astley Bridge, will cut off passing trade.

And the couple fear it will result in them being unable to sell the business they have built up over the past 14 years.

The pair, who are ready to retire, admitted they have struggled to sell their shop since it was put on the market several months ago.

Mr Devonport, aged 67, said: "If they put double yellow lines down, I will never be able to sell the shop.

"Who would want a business where people are unable to park? Trade will be restricted to people in the area and it would cut off a huge chunk of revenue."

Bolton Council's highways department plans to introduce double yellow lines on one side of the road with parking bays for cars on the other.

It will also build two pedestrian crossing islands and close the junction of Wilton Road and Broad o'th' Lane.

Mr Devonport, however, believes the proposals are misplaced. He claims the measures -- put in place to calm traffic -- would make the problem worse.

He said: "All of the accidents on Belmont Road occur on the side which will have the bays and by allowing cars to park there the problem won't get any better.

"In fact, it will become worse. Putting down double yellow lines will make one side of the road much clearer and so people could put their foot down."

Bolton Council has received a number of objections to the scheme from residents in Astley Bridge.

Tory councillor Stuart Lever has backed them in their campaign to shelve the plans. He said: "I would think Mr Devonport deserves some form of compensation if this proposals goes through because it appears plain that he would lose business. The council should be considering other schemes."

Mr Devonport, who lives in Darwen, fears the protest would not make a difference, however.

He added: "I'm 67 and I want to retire. To do that I have to sell the shop. If I can't then I may have no alternative but to forget the business and just sell the property.

"It could cost me thousands. I don't know if I can stand it. This move would isolate the business."

Bolton Council is still in the consultation stage over the plan which will affect Belmont Road from Bar Lane to Ramsay Street.

A spokesman said: "When we believe we have had as many letters as we expect, we will begin the decision process.

"At the moment the plans are still being discussed and residents are welcome to air their views." A NEWSAGENT fears he could be forced to give up his business after plans were revealed to put double yellow lines outside his shop.

Bill Devonport and his 59-year-old wife Sylvia say proposed parking restrictions in Belmont Road, Astley Bridge, will cut off passing trade.

And the couple fear it will result in them being unable to sell the business they have built up over the past 14 years.

The pair, who are ready to retire, admitted they have struggled to sell their shop since it was put on the market several months ago.

Mr Devonport, aged 67, said: "If they put double yellow lines down, I will never be able to sell the shop.

"Who would want a business where people are unable to park? Trade will be restricted to people in the area and it would cut off a huge chunk of revenue."

Bolton Council's highways department plans to introduce double yellow lines on one side of the road with parking bays for cars on the other.

It will also build two pedestrian crossing islands and close the junction of Wilton Road and Broad o'th' Lane.

Mr Devonport believes the proposals are misplaced. He claims the measures -- put in place to calm traffic -- would make the problem worse.

He said: "All of the accidents on Belmont Road occur on the side which will have the bays and by allowing cars to park there the problem won't get any better.

"In fact, it will become worse. Putting down double yellow lines will make one side of the road much clearer and so people could put their foot down."

Bolton Council has received a number of objections to the scheme from residents in Astley Bridge.

Tory councillor Stuart Lever has backed them in their campaign to shelve the plans. He said: "I would think Mr Devonport deserves some form of compensation if this proposals goes through because it appears that he would lose business. The council should be considering other schemes."

Mr Devonport, who lives in Darwen, fears the protest would not make a difference.

He added: "I'm 67 and I want to retire. To do that I have to sell the shop. If I can't then I may have no alternative but to forget the business and just sell the property.

"It could cost me thousands. I don't know if I can stand it. The lines would isolate the business."

Bolton Council is still in the consultation stage over the plan which will affect Belmont Road from Bar Lane to Ramsay Street.

A spokesman said: "We will look at any letters of objection and will then begin the decision process.

"At the moment the plans are still being discussed and residents are welcome to air their views."