No-wait restrictions mean long wait for residents is finally over

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk Campaigners are celebrating a victory in their battle against obstructive parking on the Goat Lees estate.

There had been anger and disappointment in June when plans for double yellow lines across the estate were voted through to address dangerous parking by Eureka Business Park employees on residential roads.

Residents affected by the staff parking outside their homes had favoured a scheme of single yellow lines with parking restrictions at certain times in the day.

However after negotiations between the ward member Cllr Winston Michael (Ash Ind) and council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) there has been a partial U-turn in the decision.

Speaking at last week’s cabinet meeting, Cllr Clarkson said: “I’m pleased to be able to inform the meeting I’ve had two meeting with the ward member and we have found a way forward in adopting the scheme.

“I’ve assessed this with the chief executive and Cllr Bernard Heyes, the portfolio holder and I think we have the basis for a resolution.”

The proposed solution could see single yellow lines painted in Aylesbury Road, Dunnock Road, Muscovy Road, Siskin Close and Snipe Close – the five roads closest to the business park.

It will include no-waiting restrictions, preventing people from parking between 9.30am and 10.30am in the morning, and between 2pm until 3pm from Monday to Friday.

Double yellow lines will still be created along the length of Trinity Road, in Hurst Road, and at strategic points on the estate.

The leader assured the cabinet that it was a ‘one-off’ and would not set a precedent for more single yellow line restricted parking areas elsewhere in the borough.

The restrictions will be introduced once Trinity College and Quadrant Estates create an additional 150 spaces for the workers.

Cll Michael celebrated the decision, saying the decision represented four years of hard work to find an amicable solution to the problem.

“This really is a win-win solution for residents and workers,” he said. “The hour- long restrictions in the morning and afternoon will discourage long-term parking without inconveniencing residents, while the extra parking spaces at Eureka will give workers easy access to their place of work.”

He thanked Cllr Clarkson and the business park for their approach, and the residents and Boughton Aluph Parish Council for their patience.

Parish council chairman Jason Matthews said: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to get an agreed scheme.

“I think on behalf of the parish council and residents, we’re pleased to get some form of prohibition.”