Gaining the Upper hand

MIXED response . . . from left, Councillor John McCann, butcher Paul Lowcock and florist Brenda Cockayne.

Extra parking spaces to protect village trade
PARKING restrictions in Uppermill are set to change this summer in a sweeping bid to boost local business.

Land in Carr Lane has been acquired by the council, which plans to create a 20-40 vehicle car park, in an attempt to ease the daily scramble for spaces in the village.

Councillor John McCann is worried that shoppers unable to park in the village will travel to park free at the imminent Greenfield Tesco.

He said: “Without this new measure, I can’t see local businesses surviving.

“Lack of parking is seen as one of the major problems in the village and this will hopefully increase the turnover of people coming to shop locally.”

As part of the new scheme, due to be in place by August, time restrictions will also be placed on the main car parks in the village.

Spaces at the Hare and Hounds, Smithy Lane Doctor’s Surgery and the King George Fields car parks will be limited to two-hour stays, while the museum car park will be set at three hours between 8am and 6pm.

But the new moves have had mixed responses.

Florist Brenda Cockayne, said: “I don’t think it will help us in the fight against Tesco - the damage has already been done.

“If I have a big funeral to do I can’t be walking back and forward to the baths to get the car.”

Paul Lowcock, of Paul’s Quality Meats, said: “It will be good for turnover, but bad for local people who live and work around here.”

Residents on Court Street and Lee Street will also soon be asked whether or not they would support a residents’ parking permit scheme.