Solution suggested for Wigan railway station where cars park outside residents’ homes ‘for days at a time’

A Wigan councillor has suggested land that could be used for parking at a railway station currently undergoing a £6.1m refurbishment.

Bryn station does not have an official car park, with many commuters parking on Wigan Road or surrounding residential side streets instead.

Ward councillor Steve Jones is putting forward a proposal to use a nearby area which has been blighted by anti-social behaviour and fly tipping for a car park.

He said fed-up residents were used to train users parking nearby, sometimes for long periods.

Coun Jones said: “After being approached by a local resident I’m asking for residents, the council and MP’s view on using the garage site off Priory Road as a car park for the train station.

“The site would need to be cleaned up and possibly managed, but it would reduce commuters parking on Wigan Road in front of residents’ homes, sometimes days at a time.

“It would also be easier for residents in places like Ashton to find parking.

“If done correctly, this could also deter fly tipping and vehicles being dumped there.

“The council are currently looking at selling this site for development along with other garage sites.”

Work is ongoing at the station to install new passenger lifts and upgrade facilities, giving step-free access to and from the platforms.

The station’s lighting and CCTV at the lifts and assistance areas will also be upgraded, which project collaborators Northern, Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester say will provide a better and safer experience for train passengers.

The improvement work is expected to be completed by early 2027.