Concerns as car parking charges set to be implemented at Rivington

The Bolton News exclusively revealed that the water company has taken the next step in implementing car parking charges in Rivington by submitting plans to introduce paid car parks around Rivington Reservoir.

The group submitted the application on July 29 for eight new number plate recognition cameras and four new payment machines to be installed in car parks around Rivington.

Parking charges on the site have loomed since 2022, though until now, no firm plans had been submitted.

Rivington Reservoir (Image: Derek Cartwright)

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “The increasing popularity of Rivington creates challenges including congestion, unsafe parking, pressure on paths and heritage assets as well as impacts on local residents and businesses. Without significant new investment, these issues will continue to grow.

“We have been engaging with local residents, businesses and councillors to share a proposal for car parking to be operated by Rivington Heritage Trust. There isn’t a fixed timetable for this, and the level of charges hasn’t been agreed yet. We will take the views of local people into account when setting them. We are in discussions with both Chorley Council and Lancashire County Council to ensure any proposals will help reduce congestion and improve safety for residents and visitors.

“Funds generated from car parking will be ringfenced and used to support improvements such as the creation of new car parks and refurbished car parks with bay marking, upgraded footpaths and signage, new toilets, new visitors centre, restoration of heritage assets including Liverpool Castle, the creation of education and engagement spaces and on-site staff who can help manage visitors, improve safety and protect the landscape.”

Lower House Car Park (Image: Chorley Council)

Even though the car parks fall within the jurisdiction of Chorley Council, the new restrictions will affect nearby Horwich and Blackrod.

Horwich and Blackrod First Cllr Peter Wright said: “It affects us here because Rivington is such a popular area. Many of those people will then end up parking somewhere else, for example side streets in Horwich.

“We know that United Utilities do a good job around here, but we will have to see how it goes.

“I know they’ve been in touch with some of the smaller councils in the area, but it would have been nice for them to contact Horwich council.

“I know they have some good plans going, like extending some of the car parks and making new spaces near Lower House.

Main Drive (Image: Chorley Council)

“Of course we’re going to try and stop it if we can.

“I know Lord Leverhulme left it for the community of Bolton when he died – but back then people didn’t have cars.”