THE hotly contested rejection of a residents parking scheme at Hollingworth Lake is set to be further scrutinised by Rochdale councillors.

It follows last week's rejection of the scheme, designed to ease parking problems around Lake Bank, by Pennine Township councillors.

Despite almost two thirds of residents backing the plan it was rejected because it did not receive a majority of 75 per cent in favour.

Residents were further incensed after it was revealed that almost 100 non-returned votes were counted as 'no' votes by the council.

Councillor Peter Evans, one of the councillors who supported a scheme, decided to call in the decision.

He says councillors were not provided with sufficient information on which to make a decision and alternative options had not been properly explored.

He added: "Councillors were provided with a solution derived from a past exercise in Rochdale borough that was put together in 2005 and which the surviving council policy was framed.

"Unfortunately, the framework of the scheme that was used to carry out the survey was totally outdated and therefore unsuitable to the situation at Hollingworth Lake."

He added: "It is normal for council policy to evolve in line with current government guidelines and in this instance this was patently not done for the purpose of making a parking permit scheme fit for purpose at Hollingworth Lake - which receives about 1.5 million visitors per year according to council figures.

"Several residents, particularly disabled residents, were not able to support the scheme proposed due to its inappropriate nature.

"This corrupted the true feelings of many residents and resulted in the negative outcome suggested by the votes received.

"I therefore felt it my duty to call in the decision and go along with what the majority of residents want."

MP Paul Rowen said: "I am fully backing councillors Evans' actions in calling in this ill thought out process. This scheme has been incredibly badly handled by the council's highways department from the start.

"Hopefully the council officers will now take a look into adopting the Oldham and Bury model for future votes like these where a non-return vote is taken as a yes.

"I will be calling for a meeting with the ward councillors, the council's highways department and council officers to discuss what actions will be taken next."