MOTORISTS will soon be able to use Westhoughton's Mill Street car park again, because the lease has been taken over by a local club.

Bolton Council stopped cars from parking there a few months ago, saying that taxpayers would have to pay hundreds of pounds as part of a repair work package.

There was an outcry in the town after shoppers and workers said that there were already too few places to park their vehicles.

But now the Westhoughton Social Club has revealed that it has taken over the lease from owners Silcock's Fairs.

It plans to levy a weekly parking charge of £10 for non-members and £5 for members. Motorists will be able to park there on Saturdays for £1. Money raised on Saturdays will go to charity.

Club secretary Sylvia Wallace said: "A lot of people wanted something to be done. Now we'll be able to give them a chance to park their cars cheaply for a minimal fee."

During the day, an attendant will watch over the previously free but unmanned car park, and will let vehicles through the gates when they arrive and leave.

Disabled and elderly drivers who live on Mill Street and other drivers used to park their cars on the site for free.

The Mill Street residents are now set to get parking bays outside their homes courtesy of Bolton Council.

Westhoughton Town Council leader David Wilkinson said Bolton Council should have listened to local people's views before terminating its lease.

He said: "The closure of this car park has had a detrimental effect on businesses in Market Street.

"And drivers have been parking in every nook and cranny, creating traffic hazards all over town.

"Good luck to the club in taking over the lease.

"At the end of the day, though, it means the town has lost a free car park."