A controversial parking permit scheme could be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for struggling town centre businesses, shopkeepers fear. The proposed new zone aims to ‘provide and protect on-street parking’ for people in the Durnford Street area of Middleton, following complaints of non-residents parking up outside their homes during the day.
More than 65pc of residents voted in favour of the scheme following a third consultation. A traffic regulation order (TRO) covering roads including Mellalieu Street, Rectory Street and Sadler Street has now been advertised. Rochdale council is urging people to have their say by Thursday this week (September 29).
Anthony Sharkey, manager of ACE Clearance, in Sadler Street, worries it will sound the death knell for his business and many others badly hit by the cost of living crisis. “Higher energy prices, higher transport costs, higher stock prices, etc are all having a massive effect on us,” he said. “This could be the final nail in the coffin for loads of local businesses.”
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An online petition against the permit zone has attracted nearly 2,000 signatures ahead of the deadline for objections on Friday. Anthony says businesses such as his and nearby Broadbents, rely on passing trade - and is urging Rochdale council bosses to rethink the scheme.
“We bring customers from the outside area to Middleton and these customers will be negatively affected if the plans for permits were introduced,” he added. While Anthony accepts there is an issue on Durnford Street, he argues there is ‘no justification’ to include Sadler Street in the zone.
He points out there is no residential housing along the southern half of the street and the small parking already has a maximum 30-minutes stay. “None of our customers will be able to park anywhere on the street. More than 70pc of people come from outside Middleton to our shop,” he added.
"A lot of our customers are elderly and disabled. Another part of the plan is that it doesn’t matter if you have a disabled badge, you have to have a permit as well. Some of it is just nonsense.”
He also objects to the decision not make an exemption in the case of blue badge holders, labelling it ‘a total disgrace’. Anthony - who complains of a complete lack of consultation with businesses in the area - believes the issues could be addressed without the proposed zone.
“What it needs is additional parking on Durnford Street, the rest of the streets are totally fine,” he said.“There are parts of Durnford Street that could be turned into parking or they could remove yellow lines that are not necessary.”
His comments are echoed by Steve Smith, owner of Broadbents school uniform shop just around the corner on Long Street.He believes the change could well cost him business.
“At the moment, people can park for half an hour,” he said. “We are a school uniform shop, people can come down in the car, park up, buy a uniform, get back in the car and off they go.
“It would have a big impact because of all the extra costs people have at the moment. If they can go elsewhere and park for free it is a big concern.”
While he understands frustrated residents wanting a permit scheme, he believes there is no need for it to cover such a large area. “I can understand why some residents want to have a permit. But where we are, at the bottom [of Sadler Street and Long Street] there’s no residents, really.”
He also queries where tradesmen will park if they are needed to carry out work at people’s houses or at commercial premises. Like Anthony, he is urging council bosses to think again. “Where it’s affecting businesses and there’s no need to, you can look at it again,” he said. “That’s all we are asking.”
A council spokesperson said: “Anyone either in favour of or against the proposed traffic regulation order should email trafficorders@rochdale.gov by 29 September.
“Petitions will be taken into account but it is requested people email to express their views.
“The Township Committee will consider all sides whether positive or negative before making a decision on the outcome.”
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