Parking-poll delay causes concern

Saddleworth Parish Council
A REVIEW of controversial parking restrictions in Uppermill could be delayed until next summer.

Councillor Royce Franklin told Saddleworth Parish Council last night that its proposed poll to garner views on the restrictions in the village should take place between April and September, 2012.

He added: “We need hard evidence to base the decision on and we’re going to do it right this time.

“We must remember that we cannot please everybody all the time.”

The parish councillor, speaking on behalf of the Transport and Traffic sub-committee, said an extensive survey would be done around the village, similar to the recent review in Royton.

He put the delay until next summer down to a need to avoid results being skewed during the winter.

Councillor Franklin argued that winter shopping habits and roadworks around Saddleworth would mean a winter survey would not accurately reflect the eventual parking scenario.

The introduction of time-limited parking on spaces around the village caused outrage among some residents and business owners this summer.

Some entrepreneurs welcomed the move, arguing that time-limited parking produced a higher turnover of customers coming into the village.

A heated debate took place at a public meeting in the summer, called by the parish council to consider its next steps.

But the new delay didn’t sit well with Councillor Bill Cullen.

He said: “I’m unhappy about this. In July we hosted a public meeting and promised people we would pass their concerns on to Oldham Council. It’s now November, the review hasn’t taken place and now we’re going to have to go out and tell people it may not happen until September, next year.”

Councillor Cullen also suggested seasonal restrictions, where stringent parking rules are in place during the busy summer but relaxed during the quieter winter months.

Councillor Ken Hulme was concerned that, unlike Royton, parking restrictions have not been lifted in Uppermill while a review is pending, something which Councillor Franklin said was the decision of Oldham Council.

Councillor Graham Sheldon expressed relief at the news that Uppermill High Street will be clear of roadworks from Monday as work moves on to Moorgate Street.