AN MP has backed calls for a solution to parking problems after a host of complaints from businesses and shoppers.

Bolton West MP Chris Green said residents have got in touch with his office to complain about Bolton Road car park in Westhoughton being full before 9am most days, meaning workers and customers are finding it difficult to get into the town.

He has teamed up with fellow Conservative Cllr Zoe Kirk-Robinson in the hope of bringing the parking chaos to an end.

They say that work vans delivering material to the site have been blocking valuable parking spots and there is concern that site workers are also parking there.

An alternative car park at the other end of the town centre is also at full capacity much of the day, according to locals.

Some businesses have reported a knock-on effect to customer levels which, they say, is caused by the parking problems.

Cllr Kirk-Robinson said: “The Aldi store is a welcome development in Westhoughton, creating more jobs and it will hopefully draw more people into the neighbouring shops on our fantastic high street.

"Residents, however, are becoming increasingly concerned about the sites disruption to the local area.”

“I’ve heard reports of a single large van working on the site blocking seven public car parking spaces at a time during peak times which is causing chaos for people who just want to go into town to visit the shops.”

Plans for the new Aldi store and a car park replacing the Bolton Road public car park were approved with conditions in March, 2016. These conditions mean that parking capacity should not fall until the new car park is open.

Mr Green said: “Although the Aldi store will be a fantastic addition to our high street, it should not come at a cost to local residents and businesses and they must be a good neighbour.

“I have been contacted by both residents and businesses who are finding it increasingly difficult to access Westhoughton town centre, with some businesses fearing that they are losing business because people simply cannot park to visit them. This is why I have urged both Bolton Council and Aldi to limit works vehicles use of the valuable parking spaces at Bolton Road’s public car park.”