The idea of a pedestrianising a section of Horwich town centre is being considered. Horwich and Blackrod First councillor Ryan Bamforth has published a sketch of a possible traffic free section of Winter Hey Lane in the town centre which would have outdoor seating for cafés and bars, with planters defining space for outdoor dining and atmospheric lighting encouraging evening visitors and shoppers. Cllr Bamforth said informal meetings between council members and Bolton Council officers had taken place but no official plans had yet been drawn up.
He said the discussions had proposed a possible pedestrian area on Winter Hey Lane between St John Street and Wright Street/Captain Street – meaning the current free car parks for visitors would still be open for use. He said that at this early stage he had decided to ask for views from the public so he could put forward more informed views at any future meetings on the subject. He said: “I haven’t stated whether I’m for or against a proposal like this and am just trying to get as many views as possible.
“I was elected to represent the people of Horwich and just want to get as many opinions on matters like this that I can. “I’m asking the question to gauge the public’s opinion so it can be taken forward to officers at Bolton Council.” Cllr Bamforth said he had asked for opinions on various ‘Horwich’ related groups on Facebook and there had been hundreds of comments from residents with a wide range of views.
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