PARKING bays around Bolton Town Hall - including the Mayor's space - have been repainted after claims they are illegal.

Lines marking the parking areas in Le Mans Crescent, Victoria Square North and Howell Croft South were coned off at 6pm on Monday to allow the work to be carried out.

In total, spaces for about 40 cars were affected, including stretches reserved for disabled drivers.

Motorists had been parking for free in parts of Le Mans Crescent and Victoria Square North since last Wednesday, when Bolton Council suspended the two stretches, which have space for about 18 cars.

The council had reacted to complaints from 61-year-old campaigner, Barry Moss, who claimed many bays, including the Mayor's, were the wrong length or had been incorrectly marked out.

Mr Moss, of Daisy Hill, today welcomed the corrections being made by the council, but added that bays all over the town needed repainting.

He said: "I will be going down to measure these markings and make sure they are correct.

"I'm not against parking conditions - all I want is for the council to be able to take money off people lawfully."

Two weeks ago, Mr Moss reported the council to the police, claiming it was guilty of misfeasance - wilful misconduct by a public officer.

Officers agreed to look into his claims, but put their investigation on hold to allow the council to seek legal advice and to allow dialogue between the authority and Mr Moss.

But yesterday he wrote to Supt Andy Durkin to call for him to press ahead with the probe.

The council has said it is investigating Mr Moss's claims, reviewing markings and seeking guidance from the Department for Transport.