Park and buy

Thumbs up . . . Val Simpson with some of her team from her Face and Body Shop

SHOPKEEPERS who saw red over proposed double yellow lines in front of their Grotton stores are celebrating after Oldham Council rejected the move.

Businesses launched bitter objection to the scheme, claiming it could destroy passing trade — and lead to job losses.

The move comes after an announcement by the council’s traffic regulation order panel who agreed not to introduce a bus clearway and yellow lines. They will now seek an alternative solution.

Oldham’s service director for highways, Tony Noblet, said: “The Traffic Regulation Order panel has taken the decision not to allow the introduction of a bus clearway and double yellow lines on Oldham Road in Grotton.

“Members of the panel felt this would have a detrimental impact on local businesses.

“The council is now looking at alternative ways to manage traffic.”

Now, Councillor Barbara Beeley, the community champion, is hoping to organise a meeting in a bid to resolve parking and traffic problems in the centre of the village.

Councillor Beeley said: “I totally believe in supporting local shops and understand how the yellow lines could affect their businesses.

“However, there are lots of sides to this issue and we do need to find the best solution we can.”

Problems highlighted include inconsiderate parking which reduces sight lines and the entrance to Brooklands Parade and Oldham Road.

Val Simpson, owner the Face and Body Shop, which employs 25 staff, said: “Yellow lines in front of shops would have caused big upset, loss of business and the real possibility of job losses if trade dropped.

“The council has given us a reprieve. We believe discussion with all parties will come up with some answers.”

Grocer Neil Barker, who has run a successful business for 20 years, said: “Like other shops here, we rely on passing trade. Customers like the convenience of being able to park outside while they buy goods.”

Alicia Marland, chairman of Grotton Residents’ Association, invited residents and shopkeepers to attend the association’s next meeting to discuss the problems.

She added: “We would welcome the opportunity to meet with council officials and councillors to discuss the pros and cons.”

Grotton Community Association’s next meeting is at Grotton Pavilion Community Centre on January 8 at 8.15pm.