Streets for All Ramsbottom - town centre

Streets for All schemes are part of the multi-million-pound investment in the Bee Network that aims to transform the way we travel across Greater Manchester, with joined up services, affordable fares, and cleaner, greener transport.

A key goal of the Bee Network is to ensure that by 2040, 50% of all trips – equivalent to one million daily journeys – are made by public transport, walking or cycling. Key benefits of more people regularly opting for sustainable travel will mean:

• Less road congestion.
• Improved air quality.
• Better health and wellbeing.
• A well-supported local economy.

This scheme is being funded by UK Government via the Streets for All element of Greater Manchester’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which is part of the investment in the Bee Network to transform the way we travel across Greater Manchester.

This particular element of funding may only be spent on capital investment for walking, cycling, and sustainable transport improvements and cannot be used to fund other day-to-day revenue spend such as maintaining the roads.

You said

• You raised concerns about increased congestion, emergency vehicle access and the unsuitability of Kay Brow for HGVs.
• Local businesses highlighted potential impacts on footfall and delivery access.

We did

The proposed one-way system has been removed from the scheme.

You said

• Concerns were raised about widening pavements on Bridge Street to allow for the one-way system.
• There was strong support for widening and improving footpaths to enhance accessibility and safety.

We did

Pavement widening along Bridge Street and at the northern end of Bolton Street near its junction with Bridge Street will no longer be implemented due to the removal of the one-way system. The pavement on Bridge Street between Crow Lane and Palatine Street has been widened to accommodate a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

You said

• There was support for improved pedestrian crossings, particularly for enhancing safety and accessibility.
• Respondents also raised concerns about potential impacts on traffic flow and congestion.

We did

We are still proposing a number of new and improved pedestrian crossings, though the location of these has changed following removal of the one-way system. In particular, we are proposing a new controlled crossing on Bolton Street, north of Kay Brow.

You said

There was support for introducing a 20mph speed limit, as it improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians, with most comments highlighting its traffic-calming benefits about the speed limit.

We did

The 20mph zone has been retained in the proposals.

What is being proposed?

• New raised table crossings on Bridge Street, Bolton Street, Railway Street, Square Street, Silver Street, Factory Street and Crow Lane.
• New signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings at the junction of Bridge Street and Palatine Street and Railway Street at the junction with Union Street.
• New pedestrian and cycle crossing on Bridge Street at the junction with Palatine Street, and closure of Palatine Street to allow for the cycling route to Nuttall Park to be diverted from Railway Road. The pavement between Crow Lane and the new crossing has also been widened to accommodate shared use by pedestrians and cyclists.
• Union Street will be reconfigured to route traffic around the car park, with vehicle access restricted to residents, businesses, and delivery services. The section from the junction with Railway Street will be closed to general vehicle traffic, allowing access only for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Where possible, some road resurfacing, funded by the Council’s highways budget, will be incorporated into the scheme.

The one‑way system planned for Ramsbottom town centre is no longer part of the scheme. Because of this change, the following proposed measures will also not happen.

• Installing a controlled pedestrian crossing at Bridge Street/Crow Lane (will be installed at Bridge Street/Palatine Street).
• Widening the pavements along Bridge Street and at the north end of Bolton Street near Bridge Street.
• Relocating the bus stop to Railway Street (will remain where it is).
• Junction improvements on Bolton Street/Bridge Street.

What is being proposed?

• Four new raised tables on Kay Brow, Railway Street, Square Street and Bolton Street.
• A new controlled pedestrian crossing on Bolton Street, just north of Callendar Street and Cross Street.
• A new controlled pedestrian crossing on Bolton Street, north of Kay Brow.
• Where possible, and subject to funding, resurfacing of the roads will be incorporated as part of the scheme.

The one‑way system planned for Ramsbottom town centre is no longer part of the scheme. Because of this change, the following proposed measures will also not happen.

• Changes to the Bolton Street/Kay Brow junction, including installing a right-turn pocket.
• The proposed contraflow cycle lane (Square Street will remain two way).
• A pedestrian and cycle crossing at the junction of Railway Street, Square Street and Kay Brow.

We want to improve the paths through Nuttall Park so it’s easier to walk and cycle directly to and from the town centre. Improvements include installing dropped kerbs and continuous footpaths.

What is being proposed?

• Proposals include widening the existing footpath to accommodate walkers, wheelers and cyclists.
• Removal of access and control barriers at the bridge on the Nuttall Hall Road access point.

• By improving dropped kerbs and tactile paving at junctions we’re making Ramsbottom more accessible to everyone, including those with prams, mobility scooters and those with walking difficulties.
• Prioritising those walking and wheeling in more locations by adding controlled crossing facilities to busy roads, to help people move around the town centre.

• Improving walking, wheeling and cycling options will allow more local residents to travel into and through the town centre more easily, giving more access to local facilities.
• By expanding and improving the walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, including high-quality crossings, we aim to enhance connectivity for everyone. This effort is focused on making Ramsbottom town centre more accessible and creating a seamless, enjoyable journey for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.

• We’re committed to making journeys smoother and safer for everyone -whether walking, wheeling, cycling, driving, or using public transport.
• By delivering new cycling infrastructure, improved pedestrian crossings, and targeted traffic‑calming measures, the proposals will create safer and more accessible journeys for all those travelling to and through Ramsbottom town centre.
• These improvements are designed to reduce conflicts between different road users, make crossing key routes easier and more intuitive, and encourage more people to choose active and sustainable travel.

• Enabling active travel to encourage people to walk or cycle more has health benefits. Increasing physical activity contributes to healthier lifestyles.
• Reducing the number of cars in the town centrecan help to reduce emissions and make the aircleaner. This makes it a healthier environment forthose walking, wheeling and cycling around town.

• Our proposals align with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s vision for a ‘Green City-Region’ by enhancing air quality and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by offering improved walking and cycling infrastructure.
• The improvements will contribute to Bury Council’s target of being carbon neutral by 2038, including its commitments to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, improve air quality and the health and wellbeing of our communities.