TRAFFIC queues on a busy Ramsbottom road could soon be whittled down.

Meaures to tackle congestion at the Bury New Road junction with Manchester Road are being implemented by Bury Council highways department after concerns were voiced.

Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston said: "The traffic queues at the junction during the morning peak periods have become unacceptably long."

According to borough engineer Mike Cannon, the problem is due to a combination of factors including the volume of traffic, the numbers of heavy goods vehicles, the gradient and the traffic signal timings.

In a letter to Coun Theckston, Mr Cannon said: "In the short-term, I have asked the urban traffic control unit to review the timings set in the controller, with a view to making some adjustments so as to better cater for the prevailing demand.

"We will be reviewing their effectiveness."

Coun Theckston added: "I am very pleased that the borough engineer has accepted this, and that there is a problem with the traffic light signal sequence which caused long tailbacks on one of the steepest roads in the town.

"The short-term adjustments which the highways department has agreed to carry out may not be good enough in the long term and it is likely that an improved system many have to be introduced at a later stage. I am sure Ramsbottom commuters will keep a close eye on this one."