Call for yellow lines near busy junction

PARKING restrictions are being considered to stop vehicles parking near a busy village junction.

Waterhouses Parish Council has asked Staffordshire County Council to place yellow lines at the junction of the A523 Leek to Ashbourne Road with Waterfall Lane in Waterhouses.

Councillor Maurice Stanmore said: “People park their cars and then take off their bikes. They then go cycling while leaving their cars there for some time. There are car parks in the village.”

Chairman of the parish council, David Stone, said: “Vehicles are stopping on the main road as they can’t get up Waterfall Lane. Some have to reverse back onto the main road, which is dangerous.”

However, Councillor Edwin Wain said that installing yellow lines could push the problem further up the road.

He added that the issue was being dealt with by the area’s county councillor, Gill Heath.

Concern was also raised over blocks on land at the side of Manifold Track, which runs into Waterhouses. The popular track is used by thousands of walkers and cyclists each year.

Councillors agreed to write to Staffordshire County Council, who have the responsibility for the area, informing them of the problem.

The problem of not having a path between the two villages of Waterhouses and Waterfall was also raised at the parish council meeting.

Councillor Paul Clews said: “There is a hazard on the bend on Waterfall Lane between Waterhouses and Waterfall. The path seems to have disappeared and it is dangerous.”

District and parish councillor, Edwin Wain, said: “The road is not wide enough for a pavement. Staffordshire County Council will not reinstate it.”