The changes could be introduced by United UtilitiesSusan Newton Reporter and Liv Clarke Tourism writer
12:06, 26 Jul 2026
Leverhulme Park in Bolton(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Residents have spoken out against plans to introduce parking charges at a popular beauty spot on the edge of Greater Manchester.
United Utilities are expected to introduce charges at Lever Park and the surrounding Rivington area, which is operated by Rivington Heritage Trust. But almost 3,000 people have signed a petition against it.
There are no parking fees at the site currently, however, the introduction has been proposed to manage traffic volumes and pressures, while also generating income for the area, LancsLive reports. A further suggestion is to restrict parking in the Rivington area with double yellow lines, plus closing off side roads to vehicle access.
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Car park charges will reportedly be free for 30-60 minutes, then £4 for a given period, although United Utilities state no charges have been agreed upon. However, it’s clear many residents are not happy with the proposed changes, as the petition ‘Stop United Utilities charging for parking at Rivington/Lever Park’ has 2,716 signatures at the time of writing.
Rivington(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
The petition argues the charges would deter visitors from the area, which will negatively impact small businesses and community life that thrive around the park. It states “we must not allow corporate greed to undermine this historical legacy. I urge you to protect the sanctity of Lever Park and what it stands for – community, heritage, and free access to nature for everyone. Stand with us in showing that access to public parks should not come with a price tag.”
In the comment section of the petition, residents have given their thoughts on the proposals. One said: “Rivington must remain free to use by all.”
Another added: “By adding parking charges all you will do is divert cars to park even more obstructively than what they do now, the road across the Rivington reservoir can be impassable at weekends now, because of unsatisfactory road management, and the amount of traffic over spilling from Rivington brewery!…your making a rod for your own back. UU have loads of land make a new car park, or is that to much like common sense!”
United Utilities have stated the charges are not to generate profit, but instead to invest back into the community, with all income ring-fenced and used locally. Money generated could be used to create new car parks, which will increase capacity to the area by around one third, refurbish existing car parks with bay marking, upgraded footpaths and signage, as well as adding new toilets, visitors centres and the restoration of heritage assets, including Liverpool Castle.
A meeting of Bolton Council, where Lever Park is under the jurisdiction of, was held to discuss the proposals. The meeting highlighted a number of issues surrounding the debate, stating very little traffic management is currently in place in the concerned area during busy times and the proposals seem to be directed at generating income than tackling this issue.
Another issue is the origin of Lever Park, which was gifted by Lord Leverhulme in 1902 to the people of Bolton. The 400 acres of land was given as long as it was for ‘The free and uninterrupted enjoyment of the public’ and ‘for the use and enjoyment of the public for ever’.
This was then enshrined in the Liverpool Corporation Act 1902 and Lever Park Act 1969, legally ensuring it would remain free. However, the plans raise concerns that the charge will deter people from visiting the site and enjoying Rivington without cost.
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.”