Ramsbottom residents and restaurants rally to block high street plans

Square Street in Ramsbottom was closed to vehicles between Smithy Street and Bridge Street after a temporary traffic regulation order was put in place in 2020.

The pedestrianisation of the street was welcomed by owners of restaurants as it allowed for customers to offer an al fresco service and stay open during the pandemic and is also a key proposal of the Ramsbottom Town Centre Plan.

Despite the council’s plan stating keeping the street closed “is in recognition that the local businesses are vitally important to the town's local economy”, the street is set to be reopened as part of the transition from temporary covid licensing.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, has since said he will be writing to the Secretary of State asking him to extend the current road closure arrangements.

Levanter outside dining on Square Street (Image: Levanter Facebook)

The owners of Spanish restaurants, Levanter and Baratxuri, and The Vineyard Wine Shop, on Square Street are organising a petition to keep the street closed to traffic.

Explaining the problems reopening the street would cause for the local businesses, owner of Levanter and Baratxuri, Joe Botham said: “We’ve been having conversations with the council since last autumn about the fact that the road closure/pavement licence was due to expire in April 2023.

“We’ve been making our case for outside trading to be allowed to continue, as even though we fully appreciate the original permissions were allowed under covid legislation, in reality the economic landscape is now extremely challenging for all small independent high street businesses.

“Against this backdrop of protracted, deferred decision making by the council we have had to try to forward plan for the spring and summer ahead without knowing what that outcome would be.

“Unfortunately, this week we have received notification that the street will be reopened to traffic from April 17, and we will not have the ability to trade outdoors this spring and summer.

“Without those extra outside tables it’s going to be extremely tough to meet the demands of the huge increases in our energy bills, supplier costs, wages and the overall current costs of doing business right now.

“It’s doubly disappointing as the long term pedestrianisation of Square Street is a key proposal in the Ramsbottom Town Plan, which if it goes ahead, will mean the road be reopened to traffic during this critical summer’s trading, only to be pedestrianised again at a later date.

“We hope the council will reconsider their decision to reopen the street to traffic, just at the time that hospitality is looking forwards to better weather and increased footfall, especially with several bank holidays due after April 17 too.”

The Vineyard Wine Shop (Image: Facebook)

Stuart Rothwell, owner of The Vineyard Wine Shop echoed the same issues and is concerned of the impact this will cause to his business plans.

He said: “We’ve got temporary marquees up at the moment and we’ve got plans to have a permanent outdoor waterproof area like what you see abroad. We’ve done the costings for it and we were hoping, if the road remains closed, to apply for planning permission for that.

“The council have been good supporting us these past few years so it would be a fantastic thing for not only us, but other businesses and Ramsbottom’s local economy if the street would remain closed.”

James Daly, Bury North MP, said: “I’ve been speaking with The Vineyard Wine Shop.

“This road closure has been fantastic for the local businesses and a great space for residents and visitors alike.

“I fully support keeping the street closed and will be working with the council to ensure this happens.”

Former Bury North Labour MP James Frith is a regular customer at The Vineyard Wine Shop and has shared his support for the businesses. He said: “I will absolutely join the fight on this. I have asked for representation with officers and will make the case as well as to the Council Leader.”

Labour cllr for Ramsbottom, Tom Pilkington said: “If I can please assure people that Ramsbottom councillors, and the council absolutely want this street to be pedestrianised permanently to support these businesses.

“The blockade we've encountered is a legislative one. One that legal people outside the council are very keen to use to prevent the current arrangement.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “We’re doing everything we can to make sure all parts of our borough can get through the current economic challenges and thrive for many years to come. Some of is outlined in our Ramsbottom Town Plan, an update of which was approved by cabinet just last week.

“Square Street was temporarily closed to traffic during the Covid lockdown to help businesses, particularly cafes and restaurants, to expand into the street and boost trade while keeping people safe and social distancing.

“However, the Covid legislation allowing us to do this runs out on 17 April. Any permanent road closure would need widespread support from residents and businesses across Ramsbottom.

“I understand the concerns of these establishments – therefore I will be writing to the Secretary of State asking him to extend the current road closure arrangements. This would give these businesses continuity, while we carry out the longer-term work needed for any new scheme, which will include full consultation with local businesses and residents.”