Trouble yellow lines outrage of traders

DOUBLE trouble . . . worried businessmen from left, Minaur Rahman (owner, MicroLinx), Ian Banks (Mark Antony Kitchens), Andrew Barnett (O’Rourke Glass manager) and Mark Harrington (managing director, Mark Antony Kitchens)

TRADERS have blasted Oldham Council after double yellow lines appeared outside their businesses overnight.

On Wednesday morning, shocked traders in Ellen Street found a council team finishing off painting the lines down one side of the street — and the other side got the same treatment yesterday.

They have since learned that the temporary order will be in force for a maximum of 18 months — and it appears there is nothing they can do about it.

The traders say the consequences on their livelihoods will be dire and may result in job losses.

The order was requested by Copley Square Ltd, which owns the land between the B&M store and Ellen Street, where an Aldi store is due to be built.

As of Monday, parking tickets will be handed out to stop obstructive parking during its construction

A paper notice appeared on one lamp post on Monday saying the restrictions would be painted on Wednesday, but it went unnoticed.

But Mark Harrington, owner of Mark Antony Kitchens & Bathrooms, said: “I’m absolutely furious. I called the highways department when I heard about Aldi being built.

“I asked if there were any plans for parking restrictions in Ellen Street as I was about to spend £100,000 on my premises and showrooms. They they said no, so I went ahead.

“It’s appalling that the council can treat small businesses like this.

“I’ve been here 10 years and I’ve got 15 staff — I don’t want to have to let them go because trade goes down. Customers won’t bother to stop if they can’t park.”

He added that he was disappointed that Peter Kashem, property director of Copley Square, had not spoken to him about the yellow lines, as he had done some general repair work for him on the Aldi site.

Minaur Rahman, who opened his MicroLinx business eight months ago, said: “People bring big computers into my shop for repair — how are they going to do that when they have to park far away?

Andy Barnett, manager at O’Rourke Glass, said: “Customers aren’t going to bother parking here if they’re just going to get booked,” he said.

Mark has contacted MP Michael Meacher and the council’s highways department about the fiasco.

But Oldham Council says that temporary orders do not require a consultation period.

Councillor John McCann said: “This order is currently in place for approximately 38 weeks to enable work to be carried out as quickly and as safely as possible.

“The council would like to apologise for the inconvenience but safety has to be paramount when construction work is being carried out. If there is an application submitted for a permanent order then there will be a full consultation process.”

Peter Kashem did not wish to make any comment.