Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood Services which proposed the introduction of a limited waiting, parking restriction for laybys adjacent to shops on Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that the shops in Ushaw Moor played a vital part in village life and the scheme had been drawn up to address concerning inconsiderate parking, lack of parking turnover and vehicular parking at a nearby bus stop.

Seven objections, covering five issues had been received during the statutory advertisement period.  The representations received indicated that parking problems would transfer to the opposite side of the road and that some customers would require more than two hours.  One shop owner objected on the basis that their vehicle was parked outside his business, day and night and one objection was made in relation to the legal order.

Durham Constabulary and the local residents association supported the scheme.  One further email of support had also been received.

Councillor Chaplow, one of the local members for Deerness Valley Electoral Division, informed the Committee that she supported the scheme in principle but expressed concern that customers visiting the hairdressers and beauticians in the area would potentially need longer than two hours.  Councillor Chaplow felt that the duration of the waiting time and the first sign of any enforcement of the waiting restriction would be a turn-off for customers who would simply travel to neighbouring villages for their services.  Councillor Chaplow also queried the ownership of the nearby car park referred to in the report and highlighted potential issues in relation to carrying heavy goods to the car park.

The Strategic Highways Manager informed the Committee that the car park was surfaced and being used.  The car park did not belong to the County Council and was therefore unadopted.  He acknowledged the steep incline referred to by Councillor Chaplow but pointed out that parking would potentially be available on the opposite side of the road to the shops.

The Committee then heard representation from Mr Kirkup, a local shopkeeper and Mr Booth, Chairman of Ushaw Moor Action Group.  They informed the Committee that parking problems had been ongoing in the area for some time and fully supported the scheme for the following reasons:

·        previous businesses, including a café, had closed because customers were unable to park, resulting in empty units falling into a bad state of disrepair;

·        customers to the local pet shop were unable to park and collect heavy bags;

·        large businesses in the area, such as the Co-operative could survive, however, the smaller businesses would suffer;

·        parking issues and speeding traffic were of prime concern in the area;

·        cars were being parked and double-parked on the busy crossroads which was not only hazardous for local residents, but road safety generally.

The Committee were also informed that the residents group had worked extremely hard with local residents and key partners, including the Area Action Partnership in an attempt to address the parking problems.

Councillor Wilkinson, the other local Member for the area informed the Committee that a survey conducted by the residents group survey highlighted that 50% of people had never used the shops for the simple reason that they were unable to park.  Councillor Wilkinson also informed the Committee that the B6302 was the main route through the Deerness Valley area, Ushaw Moor was the largest village in the area and shops relied on passing trade as much as it did to local villagers.  He expressed his concern about the sustainability of the shops in Ushaw Moor and was extremely concerned that that more shops would close without the introduction of any parking measures.

Councillors Burn and Woods both highlighted the importance of supporting and helping local businesses in the area.

Councillor Tomlinson informed the Committee that the public consultation and the work carried out in conjunction with the Area Action Partnership appeared to support the proposal and also commented that he had experienced, first hand, the congestion problems in the area and the resultant hazards.

Resolved:

The Committee endorsed the proposal and agreed to proceed with the implementation of the scheme detailed in the report.