PLANS to create extra car parking spaces in a pedestrianised town centre will go before councillors on Monday.

Nelson Town Centre Forum, which represents traders and other groups, suggested trade could be boosted by making the centre more accessible by creating extra parking.

Proposals to use part of the existing pedestrianised areas in Manchester Road and outside the Victory Centre at the Leeds Road end of the precinct have been studied by Pendle Council officers.

A report to the council's Nelson area committee, which meets on Monday, says 17 spaces could be created in Manchester Road at a cost of £5,000 and the police and county surveyor would have no objections.

But a £10,000 scheme to create 15 spaces outside the Victory Centre is expected to raise police objections on the grounds of road safety, the report says.

The idea of allowing cars on to the precinct goes against a £1 million improvement scheme for the town centre drawn up for the council. The report also says there have already been access problems for delivery vehicles caused by the market.

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