A car body shop has become embroiled in a row with the council and residents over cars parked outside its premises.

Cars which Kolor Bodyworx in Horwich work on are regularly left on on Austin’s Lane, a stretch of road they say belongs to them.

But the council and residents dispute the business’s claims and say the matter has been passed over to Greater Manchester Police.

People who live nearby and want to use the path to walk on say they are forced to walk into the road as the cars block the way.

One resident said: “This is an ongoing issue since before Covid.

“Ever since they moved in, they have parked on the pavements on dropped kerbs.

“It’s dangerous driving past and people are trying to take children to school but there are massive queues of traffic due to this.”

The residents himself has a child at nearby Claypool Primary School on Salisbury Road.

He said: “There are kids with parents who are having to walk in the road.

“It’s impossible to walk on the pavement and all the land at the front is council land, so it’s a public highway.

“The cars are not allowed to park there, it’s just so dangerous.”

The Bolton News: Austin's Lane

But Kolor Bodyworx dispute the residents’ claims and say the road is theirs to park on and has been since they moved in.

A business spokesman said: “There is no kerb or walkway on this road, and we own the land.

“The police are involved, and the council have been out seven times and we have not been given any parking tickets because we are doing nothing wrong.

“We are not going anywhere anytime soon.

“If you do not want to live near a business, then don’t buy a house here.”

Cllr Ryan Bamforth is aware of the row and said he wanted to work with residents and the business to find a resolution.

He said: “Nobody wants to harm local businesses, however, safety to the public has to be considered.

“A look at the Land Registry shows that this is a council-owned pedestrian walkway, and this should be left clear and safe for all to use.”

The council also said the land was an adopted highway.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “We are aware of the issues on Austin’s Lane and have reported to Greater Manchester Police.

“GMP are responsible for matters relating to obstruction of the highway.”