TRAFFIC chiefs are to spend £20,000 to scratch a persistent itch.

A study has been commissioned to look into ways of easing traffic congestion around Bury Grammar Schools and St Gabriel's RC High during the "school run".

Jams regularly occur in Bridge Road and Tenterden Street in the mornings and afternoons as parents drop off and collect their children from the schools.

In the past, various traffic measures have been introduced in the area to ease the problems. However, a relentless growth in car volume to and from the schools has continued to overwhelm the surrounding roads.

Mr Mike Cannon, Bury's borough engineer, said: "We have been scratching our heads for a long time over this issue.

"Given the wide-ranging nature of the problems, it is felt that the best way of approaching the issue would be to commission a detailed study, taking a comprehensive look at a long-standing problem and identifying solutions."

The investigation will tackle two action areas. The first will cover new measures to reduce traffic volumes by improving public transport availability and encouraging its use. The other will involve the possibility of installing traffic control measures to regular vehicle movement within and around the area.

Mr Cannon said: "Part of the exercise will be to find ways of reducing the use of the private car for the 'school run'."

Bury Grammar Schools have offered to pay £2,500 towards the cost of the study.

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