Residents are left boxed-off
Date published: 24 August 2009
The demolition of a macabre piece of Saddleworth history may have given a village’s shopkeepers and customers a new lease of life.
The mortuary where the bodies of the Moors Murder victims were taken has been replaced with car parking spaces for up to 30 cars.
However, the move has brought problems for residents in St Mary’s Gate, off Uppermill’s High Street.
They claim cars will block an entrance to the rear of their homes.
One resident, Bruce Mills (62), said: “Cars do not necessarily park in the confines of white boxes and problems arise when they overshoot. Six properties share the entrance.”
The additional parking spaces near King George V playing fields are bringing a fresh influx of business.
Iain Johnston, who owns an opticians on High Street, said: “The extra spaces make a big difference to a business when customers can park closer.”
Paul Wotton, of the Unity Partnership, said: “We are working with the highways department to resolve this problem.”
Meanwhile, council talks are due to take place to discuss a blueprint for further car-parking improvements in the village.
Oldham councillor John McCann and Royce Franklin, chairman of the parish council’s traffic and transport sub-committee, will outline their views later this month.
Said Councillor McCann: “These are the first steps in helping local businesses withstand the Tesco development which, if the experience of the Huddersfield Road independent stores is a guide, face a major threat to their existence once Tesco start trading.
“If village shops go they will not be replaced. Saddleworth, like other places, could lose much that makes it special.”
Councillor McCann said other parking measures are being considered, ranging from residents’ parking schemes on specific streets — which will be subject to a ballot — to time restrictions during the day on some car parks.
He added: “All car parks will remain free but changes are necessary to accommodate the community needs and future challenges. But this will be done in consultation with residents.”
