Dentist down in the mouth

A DENTIST in Failsworth claims that a shortage of parking near his business has become one big toothache.

Harvey Showman, of Showman's the Dentist on Oldham Road, said parking was not an issue when the practice first opened 30 years ago, but neighbouring Ash Street has now been turned into a residents' only parking area.

Staff and patients also used to park at the Aldi car park until the supermarket put up a sign stating that parking is for customers only.

Mr Showman said that he understood the need for residents to be able to park outside their own homes.

He said: "But it is unnecessary while Ash Street is empty all day. The council has got to look at alternatives."

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, cabinet member for business and town centres, said: "Oldham Council was approached on numerous occasions about introducing a residents' only parking scheme in Ash Street.

"People were concerned they were unable to park outside their own homes.

"We carried out a full consultation exercise prior to the scheme's introduction, which included delivering letters to nearby houses and businesses. People were then given 28 days to submit written objections.

"We received no objections to the scheme and it was subsequently introduced.

"A number of bays are still on Ash Street which can be used for up to three hours by visitors and parking is available on the District Centre on Oldham Road, across the road from Mr Showman's business.

"Oldham Council is committed to working with local businesses and people should contact us if they have any issues."

But Mr Showman said that parking outside the district centre would be trespassing and taking away space from patients.

He also insists that he did object to the scheme and has continued objecting ever since.

"I've been on the phone to the council several times."