Fears are eased over parking restrictions (From Bury Times)

Fears are eased over parking restrictions

9:12am Friday 16th November 2012 in News

COUNCIL chiefs have allayed fears that plans to ban parking near shops in Walmersley will harm trade.

Business owners were furious when they discovered Bury Council wanted to paint double yellow lines in Walmersley Old Road and introduce “no loading” restrictions.

They were concerned the lines would run outside their shops and started a petition, which was signed by more than 120 customers.

But after seeing the plans, the traders have been reassured that the lines will cover a much shorter distance — and will not be outside their shops.

A council spokesman said: “We are installing yellow lines following complaints from a resident that vehicles were being parked in Walmersley Old Road near to the junction with Chadwick Fold.

“These vehicles were observed to be parked in such a way that they were obstructing the sightlines for vehicles exiting Chadwick Fold. They were also parked in a cycle lane, albeit an advisory lane.

“The restrictions do not extend in front of the businesses in Walmersley Old Road.”

Lorenzo Garofalo, owner of The Upper Crust sandwich shop, has been persuaded that the parking restrictions will not affect his customers.

He said: “I thought the double yellow lines would cripple my business, but I’m much more relaxed now that I’ve seen the plans.

“They will not go in front of the shops and our customers will still be able to park.”