A REAL pedestrian zone would transform Atherton town centre into a shopper-friendly environment.

That is the view of planning consultant Peter Grimshaw who has drawn-up a blueprint of his plans which he believes would ensure a thriving future for his home town.

Mr Grimshaw would banish buses from Market Street and send them down Mealhouse Lane, making the high street fully pedestrianised.

And he said he would make Church Street a two-way system, to make access to Atherton Parish Church much safer for pedestrians.

But despite sending his written proposals to over 30 councillors on Wigan MBC he says he has had no response.

Planning bosses will make a decision by November 27 on the future traffic management policy for Atherton.

Mr Grimshaw said: "Atherton, like most small town centres will not thrive -- indeed it will probably decline unless it provides a particularly high quality shopping experience.

"Atherton should be fully pedestrianised and buses shouldn't run along Market Street, as there is a viable and better alternative.

"East-west buses should use a re-located bus stop on Mealhouse Lane, something which proved to be entirely feasible when Market Street was closed. Services in both directions on Mealhouse Lane should provide a transport interchange for public transport adjacent to car parks and taxi ranks.

"The town's landmark building, the listed Parish Church, is now in the middle of a traffic island, despite the area being a conservation area. The church and the adjacent buildings are now cut off from the town centre by busy roads. The problem could be solved by making Church Street a two-way system. This would make possible the pedestrianisation of the southern end of St John Street and the eastern end of Market Street.

"Both amendments would cost very little compared to the initial large overall costs involved in the town centre changes, yet have huge beneficial impact on the environment and safety."

A spokesman for Wigan Metro, said: "We very much appreciate Mr Grimshaw's interest in developments in Atherton and we will certainly be taking his suggestions into account.

"We will be inviting all Atherton residents to make sure their own views are also taken into account."