HOPES have been raised that parking chaos could be coming to an end in Astley Bridge after residents met with council officials to discuss solutions.

Yellow lines could be painted at junctions of roads in a bid to ease friction in the area.

Councillors called a community meeting to try to find answers to the long-standing problem of parking in residential areas in the Eagley Bank area.

Concerns about traffic issues were raised at an Astley Bridge area forum meeting in March and, as a result, community meetings were arranged.

At this week’s meeting residents raised concerns about indiscriminate parking in the area between Blackburn Road and Andrew Lane, including blocking side streets and back streets.

A highways officer attended the consultation meeting, where proposed measures to address the issues were presented.

These included introducing yellow lines at junctions of a number of roads including Eagley Bank, Andrew Lane, Ollerton Street, Park Row.

Cllr Paul Wild said: “There are two problems with parking in Eagley Bank and Sharples Hall area, with Eagley Bank being the bigger problem as it is involving more cars.

“The problem is the houses were built 200 years ago and the road systems did not cater for cars so consequently parking is impossible.

“Sharples Hall is a smaller issue, but nevertheless it’s an important one because when people are coming out at school time they cannot see at junctions because their view is blocked by parked cars.

“This causes a problem for everyone and prevents access for emergency vehicles.

“Using yellow lines to stop cars parking at the junctions is a solution to the visibility problem, although we know that this will just move the cars along to park in another area.

“That’s why we’re held a consultation evening - to see what residents think and listen to their views.”

Residents’ views and opinions were noted by a highways officer, who is reviewing plans to install yellow lines in the area.

In September another meeting will be called to discuss speeding on Belmont Road.