RESIDENTS have called for action over problem parking close to Moss Bank Park.

The concerns raised at the Smithills Area Forum yesterday evening were sparked by a question about the safety of the junction of Church Road and Captains Clough Road.

A resident decided to raise the issue following a number of accidents at the junction, including one in May in which a 14-year-old boy was left fighting for his life after being knocked from his bike.

They told the meeting that aggressive driving is 'common place' in the area, and that they were particularly concerned due to the proximity of the junction to Church Road Primary School.

"Something needs to be done before something more serious happens there," they added.

"I would say there are cars beeping at each other four or fives times an hour, and the mini roundabout is no longer fit for purpose."

But, a response read out on behalf of Bolton Council said that they had only received one report of an accident at the junction during the past few years, and as a result they did not support any additional measures at this time.

Another resident highlighted how the problems are made even worse on a weekend when Moss Bank Junior Football Club are playing matches on fields next to Captains Clough Road.

They said they had witnessed occasions when buses were unable to pass through the area due to the number of cars parked up at the side of the roads.

Describing one such occasion, they said: "One of the buses had to reverse more than 500 metres. No traffic was moving for about 30 minutes."

They added that the problem was only worsening as the football club became more successful, and that additional measures needed to be put in place to alleviate the problem.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Roger Hayes said he shared the concerns of residents, and that he and his fellow ward councillors had been raising the issue of parking in the area around Moss Bank Park for several years.

PETITION???

Cllr Hayes said that he was supportive of the football club, but plans for a cricket club in the area???? meant there was a need for more parking facilities in the area.

He added: "There are many occasions when Moss Lane is completely blocked and buses and ambulance can't get through.

They park on the pavements. A lot of people who have mobility scooters use Church Road, but if cars are there then they have to go on the road, which is dangerous.

"Those roads are totally blocked and something has to be done about it.

"We are trying hard to persuade the council to do more to provide parking facilities."