Parking changes ‘could destroy us’
INDEPENDENT traders on Manchester Road fear new parking rules could force them out of business.
Louise Hankinson-Everatt, who owns VIP Hair Salon on Manchester Road, told the Visiter that she received a letter from Sefton proposing changes to the current rules.
Sefton is considering introducing a two-hour parking limit, and putting double yellow lines on a section of the road.
The proposals are linked to a scheme to improve Manchester Road’s junction withh Leyland Road and Hartwood Road.
Louise told the Visiter: “Sefton want to introduce a two-hour parking limit on Manchester Road. They have dropped leaflets through our doors, which explain their proposals.”
Louise explained that many of the businesses on Manchester r Road rely on thee relaxed parkingg arrangements. Customers can park for free on the road.
She said: “The owners of the DIY and sandwich shops have both told me they are very worried. I think these changes could destroy our businesses.
“We are hugely reliant on customers being able to park in the bays outside. Many of our customers come in for a colour, and a two-hour limit is not long enough.
“We do not want customers having to check for parking attendants while they are in for a cut or colour. We are here rather
than the town centre because of the more relaxed parking on Manchester Road.
“I genuinely think these changes might destroy businesses, including mine. If one customer get a ticket, they will not come back.
“And if some customers start to park in the side streets off Manchester Road it will upset residents in the area.
“I wish Sefton would just leave the parking arrangements as they are.”
Dave Barton runs Naughty But Nice sandwich shop with his wife Sharon.S The couple h have been trading for 21 years.
Dave said: “My concern is that Sefton are going to reduce the current parking capacity on Manchester Road by half, for no apparent reason. I am massively reliant on customers who can pull up near to the shop.
“If they can’t pull up they will simply go elsewhere.”
Dave explained that he sold pies, sandwiches and cakes to passing builders and other workers. He chose to open a business on Manchester Road to avoid the problems associated with parking in Southport town centre.
On Monday evening Louise chaired a public meeting on the issue outside the Mount pub.
Councillor Tony Dawson said that politicians from different parties had now agreed to put aside their differences and campaign together against the changes.
He said: “Money being made available for the proposed changes could potentially be used in better ways if the council is prepared to listen to the ideas of the local people living and working in the area.
“The decision due to be taken at the Southport Area Committee on this matter might be better deferred until December to permit local people to produce better ideas which enhance the area rather than threaten the trade.” Cllr David Barton said: “There is a resounding consensus amongst businesses and residents against the implementation of the new car parking restrictions.
“These include additional double yellow lines, the loss of several parking bays and the introduction of time restrictions which will severely hinder retailers.
“Problems also extend to local residents who will be inconvenienced by being unable to park outside their homes.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are currently consulting with residents and businesses on proposals to improve the junction of Manchester Road and Hartwood Road / Leyland Road in Southport.
“As part of this consultation, we are asking for views on suggested amendments to waiting restrictions. The proposals can be viewed online at sefton.gov.uk/trafficschemeconsultations.”