THE route ahead looks clear for a cancelled bus service to be back on the road following a compromise.

The 476 service, which served Dundee Lane and Tanners Street, Ramsbottom, was stopped last year because buses were unable to pass parked cars on narrow stretches of road.

Elderly residents who relied on the service complained to local councillors who met bus operators Rossendale Transport to discuss the problem.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and the company agreed that a service could only be resumed if parking restrictions were imposed in problem areas.

Highways chiefs then proposed a constant 24-hour parking restriction on two narrow areas of road, one around the junction of Tanners Street and Eccles Street, and the other on Dundee Lane, close to the foot of Rawsons Rake. But residents complained that such restrictions would result in inconvenience, faster traffic and devalued properties.

Finally the highways and traffic management committee, which met last week discussed a compromise, with restrictions between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, when the service would operate.

Committee member and area board chairman, Councillor Dorothy Gunther told colleagues: "The cessation of this bus service has reduced the quality of life of quite a number of elderly people in the area.

"I would like to think that all who live in Ramsbottom can live together and agree to a compromise that would satisfy everybody."

Residents present at the meeting expressed no objections, and members agreed to introduce road markings and signs, subject to confirmation that Rossendale Transport would be able to operate the service.