Parking hope
Progress over improvements to attract shoppers
Council officials have agreed to review parking arrangements in Cambuslang and to look at experimenting with longer parking times for shoppers.
The news comes after a meeting between officials and Cambuslang Community Council.
Parking problems in Cambuslang are set for a“breakthrough”after talks between Cambuslang Community Council and South Lanarkshire Council over the longrunning issue.
Council officials have now agreed to review the parking arrangements and to look at experimenting with longer parking times for shoppers.
The problems are centred around the lack of parking throughout the town centre and particularly on Cambuslang Main Street, caused by the increase in housing in the area.
John Bachtler, treasurer of Cambuslang Community Council, attended the meeting along with Angeline Coyle, who owns the Tea Bay on Cambuslang Main Street, and community council vice-chairwoman Michelle Farmer.
He believes the meeting offered signs of real progress.
John said: “We agreed that South Lanarkshire Council will identify options for some experimental measures that could be introduced quickly to provide longer parking times for shoppers. They will also review parking provision more broadly across the town centre, particularly whether it is possible to increase overall capacity, provide space for a park-and-ride, and relieve pressure on car parks that should be available for shoppers.”
“We are under no illusions that there are easy
Parking is a big issue for us. We are losing customers because they have nowhere to park. I am really happy that some progress is being made at last . . . Angeline Coyle, Tea Bay
answers to acquiring land for new car parks, but we were pleased that there is a willingness to assess all options.”
There has been growing anger in recent years over car parks, such as Allison Drive and Cherry Tree Court, being filled up by commuters heading to work in the morning, with other drivers then parking on streets, angering residents.
Angeline Coyle was optimistic the possible moves could boost local businesses.
She said: “Many shops on the Main Street are in trouble, with declining footfall and trade.
“Parking is a big, big issue for us. We are losing customers because they have nowhere to park. The local car parks are full, and the limit of 30 minutes on Cambuslang Main Street is far too short for many businesses like cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons, estate agents, opticians and others.
“I am really happy that some progress is being made at last.”
Michelle Farmer, vice-chairwoman of Cambuslang Community Council, praised local politicians for their support .
She said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from our elected members.
“We really appreciate their contribution, working across party lines and showing that the community is united.”
Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We have met with Cambuslang Community Council to discuss the issues facing the Main Street, and specifically car parking.
“We are keen to ensure parking arrangements meet the needs of the community and businesses and will explore how the community council’s aspirations for some changes may best be accommodated.
“The meeting was positive, constructive and set out common areas where the council and the community council can work together to seek to address the issues. In this regard a follow-up meeting is being arranged early in 2018 to progress matters.”