New parking restrictions spark anger

A frustrated villager has claimed Oldham Council has “steamrollered through” new Saddleworth car parking restrictions.

Changes to the maximum stay and non-return periods in some car parks in Uppermill came into force this month following a review by the parish council. They include a cut in the maximum stay at the Hare and Hounds car park from two hours to one and an increase from two hours to three at the King George V Playing Fields.

But locals have hit out at the changes, arguing their opinions have been ignored and the new rules will create difficulties for business owners and workers needing to park throughout the day.

Nick Watts, who lives and works in Uppermill, collected a 750-name petition against the parking restrictions when they were first altered three years ago.

He said: “This new initiative goes against our petition and rather shockingly has been steamrollered through. I’ve followed the council’s own suggestion of raising a petition, which has been ignored since it was handed over to Oldham Council in 2010.

“I feel the council is unfairly taxing Saddleworth people without giving them an opportunity to oppose, or even democratically vote on, the matter.”

Parish Councillor Royce Franklin - chair of the parish council’s traffic and transport sub group which has instituted the changes - said restrictions are crucial for business and no exceptions can be made.

“It is important to keep places for shoppers so there is a flow of traffic and spaces,” he said. “If we go down the route of making exceptions then we are asking for trouble.

“I feel it is better than it was. For example, in the market place on Wednesdays, there are now more market stalls than there were because we have kept it clear of cars.”