TRADERS and shoppers in Bolton have been invited to discuss plans to pedestrianise Churchgate.

Under the proposals, traffic would only be allowed through the pedestrian areas at certain times of the day, with parking restricted to businesses only.

Planners say the £700,000 project could be in place by June.

Tony Watts, principal planner and engineer at Bolton Council, said: "The plans are to partially pedestrianise Churchgate from the Parish Church to the corner of Deansgate and Bradshawgate.

"It will be a pedestrian priority zone on similar lines to what has already happened in Corporation Street and Hotel Street.

"It will form part of a major policy initiative to change car parking in the town. The plan is to get parked cars off the streets and into the car parks while providing access for businesses and the disabled.

"The council is also looking at extending the scheme down Churchbank."

The council is inviting people to have their say on the proposals at an open meeting at the Friends Meeting House, in Silverwell Street, Bolton, on Tuesday, January 10, from 3pm to 6pm

Mr Watts said the meeting would be a drop-in event at which the council could respond to people's queries and find out what they think about the plans.

"None of what has been suggested is set in stone," he said.

The aim of the scheme is to:

l Provide space for markets, street fairs and exhibitions and improve street lighting, fencing, seating and landscaping, with the planting with trees.

l Create a one-way system for delivery vehicles between Silverwell Street and Bradshawgate;

l Improve loading and unloading arrangements for premises in Churchgate

l Provide better taxi facilities

The Bolton Evening News asked people in the town centre for their views on the proposals.

Shopper George Maycraft, aged 81, of Harwood, said: "I've parked in Churchgate today and I think the lack of parking in the area will be a problem. This is one of the most reasonable places to park.

"I think a lot of the newer, high-rise buildings in Churchgate have spoiled the look of the area anyway.

"I do quite like the idea of the markets."

Marie Walsh, who owns Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe in Churchgate, said: "I think this scheme is already cut and dry. The council has already made its decision but most of the business owners are planning to go along to the meeting to make their point.

"Getting our deliveries is going to be a problem because we can't dictate to our suppliers when we get our deliveries.

"I'm also concerned about the idea of the markets because there are no toilets mentioned in the plan and people already use Churchgate like a toilet."

Fred Hill, aged 79, of Bradshaw, said: "I was born in Churchgate and I've even written a book about the area so I've seen a lot of changes over the years.

"I have mixed feelings about the plans and not being able to park nearby would inconvenience me a lot.

"I think the council needs to tread carefully because it is an area steeped in history."

Christina Walsh, aged 61, of Crompton Way, Bolton, said: "Anywhere you can walk without traffic is a good idea. I'm always worried about cars speeding past when I'm trying to cross the road.

"I also like the idea of the shrubs and landscaping - I think it would really enhance the area."

Engineer Chinedu Obidigbo, aged 30, of Bradford Street, Bolton, said: "I think it's a good idea but I do have some reservations. I don't drive but I can imagine the lack of parking spaces will be a problem for drivers.

"Having said that, I have seen a couple of near misses with drivers having to brake suddenly to avoid pedestrians crossing the road."