Gridlocked over town parking
This is Lancashire
By Caroline Innes
A residents' parking scheme to reduce traffic chaos in Clitheroe town centre could be in operation by the end of the year.
The scheme, which would see 54 permits issued, has been welcomed by families who struggle to park near their homes.
But businesses fear the loss of spaces could affect trade.
The permits, costing £80 per car for five years, could be available by the end of the year if the Ribble Valley Council-backed plan is accepted by the county council in September.
Borough council leader Coun John Hill warned a meeting of business owners and residents last night it was a case of "now or never."
Sharon Rawstron, who owns a hairdressers in York Street, said the plan, which would cut parking from two hours to one, would put people off visiting Clitheroe.
She said: "Most treatments at the salon take longer than an hour. People are simply going to go to other places where they can park longer.
"The economic heart of Clitheroe is as important as ensuring residents have somewhere to park."
The county council scheme will be administered by the borough and supervised by existing parking attendants.
It will mean the current on-street parking facility of 373 meters around York Street, Church Brow, Church Street and Albion Street, will be increased to 457 meters although there would be a fall in the number of limited parking spaces available to shoppers and visitors.
However, resident Alistair Forbes of York Street, who said he has struggled to park anywhere near his own home and has been ticketed by parking attendants, said the scheme should be applauded.
He said: "I have found myself driving round and round looking for somewhere to park often with children in the back of the car.
"It is hardly convenient to have to move cars every two hours when you have children sleeping and so this scheme will truly benefit many families.
"It is a serious problem for residents who would otherwise see house prices fall due to lack of parking and people will be forced to move out of the town centre.
"If Clitheroe is to keep its character it is vital parts of the centre remain residential."
Coun Hill said the scheme was always going to be problematic as the area was a mix of homes and businesses but the plan was broadly welcomed.
By Caroline Innes
A residents' parking scheme to reduce traffic chaos in Clitheroe town centre could be in operation by the end of the year.
The scheme, which would see 54 permits issued, has been welcomed by families who struggle to park near their homes.
But businesses fear the loss of spaces could affect trade.
The permits, costing £80 per car for five years, could be available by the end of the year if the Ribble Valley Council-backed plan is accepted by the county council in September.
Borough council leader Coun John Hill warned a meeting of business owners and residents last night it was a case of "now or never."
Sharon Rawstron, who owns a hairdressers in York Street, said the plan, which would cut parking from two hours to one, would put people off visiting Clitheroe.
She said: "Most treatments at the salon take longer than an hour. People are simply going to go to other places where they can park longer.
"The economic heart of Clitheroe is as important as ensuring residents have somewhere to park."
The county council scheme will be administered by the borough and supervised by existing parking attendants.
It will mean the current on-street parking facility of 373 meters around York Street, Church Brow, Church Street and Albion Street, will be increased to 457 meters although there would be a fall in the number of limited parking spaces available to shoppers and visitors.
However, resident Alistair Forbes of York Street, who said he has struggled to park anywhere near his own home and has been ticketed by parking attendants, said the scheme should be applauded.
He said: "I have found myself driving round and round looking for somewhere to park often with children in the back of the car.
"It is hardly convenient to have to move cars every two hours when you have children sleeping and so this scheme will truly benefit many families.
"It is a serious problem for residents who would otherwise see house prices fall due to lack of parking and people will be forced to move out of the town centre.
"If Clitheroe is to keep its character it is vital parts of the centre remain residential."
Coun Hill said the scheme was always going to be problematic as the area was a mix of homes and businesses but the plan was broadly welcomed.
posted by Neil Herron at 1:57 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home