BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has welcomed action to tackle traffic problems in his constituency.

Mr Lewis requested a traffic "summit" with Bury Council to discuss increased vehicle congestion, particularly in Bury New Road and Bury Old Road in Prestwich.

He met with the highways department last week and they agreed to look at introducing new technology which will improve synchronisation of traffic lights, review the parking bays which were recently introduced in Bury New Road, and request that each of the three area boards in his constituency of Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe, include traffic congestion as a key item on their agenda over the next few months.

Mr Lewis said: "While there are no quick-fix solutions, I am pleased with the measures the council has now agreed to take. I explained the concerns of many local residents who are fed up with long delays which are having an adverse impact on their quality of life.

"I also made it clear we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of pedestrians, especially pensioners and children."

Mr Lewis is also keen to promote the Government grants which are available to help develop school travel plans and has written to 20 schools urging them to take up the offer to improve the "school run".

Mike Cannon, borough engineer, agreed the meeting had been worthwhile, adding: "The area boards will work with the business community to see whether the parking bays are working. We will also look at whether the new technology has improved the traffic lights system."