Westhoughton MP Chris Green has called for a solution to parking problems in the town after a series of complaints from businesses and shoppers.
Residents have got in touch with their MP after finding that the Bolton Road car park is full before 9am most days, meaning workers and customers are finding it difficult to get into the town. Work vans delivering material to the site have been blocking valuable parking spots and there is concern that site workers are also parking there.
An alternative car park at the other end of the town centre is also at full capacity much of the day.
Some businesses have reported a knock-on effect to customer levels which, they say, is caused by the parking problems.
Mr Green has teamed up with local Cllr Zoe Kirk-Robinson to help bring this parking chaos to an end.
Cllr Kirk-Robinson said: “The Aldi store is a welcome development in Westhoughton, creating more jobs and it will hopefully draw more people into the neighbouring shops on our fantastic high street.
“Residents however are becoming increasingly concerned about the site’s disruption to the local area.
“I’ve heard reports of a single large van working on the site blocking seven public car parking spaces at a time during peak times which is causing chaos for people who just want to go into town to visit the shops.
Mr Green said: “Although the Aldi store will be a fantastic addition to our high street, it should not come at a cost to local residents and businesses and they must be a good neighbour.
“I have been contacted by both residents and businesses who are finding it increasingly difficult to access Westhoughton Town Centre, with some businesses fearing that they are losing business because people simply cannot park to visit them.
“This is why I have urged both Bolton Council and Aldi to limit works vehicles use of the valuable car parking spaces at Bolton Road’s public car park.”