Parking mad!

CONCERNS: John Salt (right) with fellow business owners Jayne Strang and Philippa Reddish (front)

WORRIED business owners say controversial plans to extend double yellow lines on a nearby side street will decimate trade and put their livelihood at risk.

Oldham Council wants to introduce parking restrictions along Church Street, Lees, which will affect staff and customers at 10 independent firms. Currently double yellows cover only part of the street.

The proposals came after a complaint from a local resident.

After site inspections council officers say they have seen cars mount kerbs to get past parked vehicles and parked cars have caused access problems for residents. But local business owners say parking is a nightmare in the area and the proposals will isolate them and harm businesses, which have only five parking bays to fight over.

John Salt, owner of Megabytes Computer Services, on the corner of High Street and Church Street, said: “We have been in business in this area of Lees since 2001 and we have parked here since then without any complaint. Three years ago there was a redevelopment of our area of High Street and a number of new shops and flats have begun to use the road and parking in Church Street, which at times has seemed congested.

“Despite this minimal congestion, I have not heard of any accidents caused by the parking or had any complaints directed at us. To restrict parking for our customers instead of improving parking for all of us may well bring a decline to our business and the other businesses in the area and bring the return of empty shops again. There must be a better solution to this problem.”

Parking restrictions would cover the south-east side of Church Street from Hartshead Street to Barn Fold and on the north-west side from Hartshead Street 41 metres to the south west.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said: “We appreciate parking is limited in parts of Lees village and it’s important we strike a balance. I must stress these are only proposals at this stage.”

Objections should be sent in writing by January 28 to the council’s Environment Group Solicitor, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UL.