Calls to tackle car parking problems
Parking in Amble.
A fight to force a review of current parking restrictions in Amble is gaining momentum after councillors called for a ‘root and branch’ investigation to tackle the ‘ridiculous’ situation which is threatening to damage businesses.
Emotions are running high amid concerns that Northumberland County Council’s civil parking enforcement officers, who are implementing traffic controls in the town, are driving trade away.
Amble Business Club is currently pushing for talks with the authority to get it to review the parking restrictions on Queen Street, arguing that in some cases they are no longer relevant and need to be changed to help traders.
At Amble Town Council on Thursday, members also called for action to be taken.
“It is killing Queen Street,” Coun Leslie Bilboe said.
He added: “The shops are up in arms and it is a ridiculous situation.
“I believe the county council is making money out of the poor motorists. They are taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut and I am sick and tired of what is going on.
“If we don’t do something quickly, Queen Street will be dead and it won’t recover.”
The business club has said that there is anecdotal evidence that certain traders have suffered losses since the restrictions were enforced.
The group says that there are too many loading bays which are no longer needed and would like to see some made into parking spots to enable customers to leave their vehicles close to shops on Queen Street.
Amble town and county councillor Robert Arckless said: “The parking regulations, which have been in place for a long time, are being enforced but the current markings aren’t appropriate, particularly the loading bays, and it needs to be sorted out.
“The county council has been inundated with complaints.
“The process of changing traffic regulation orders is not straightforward or quick.
“A meeting with the appropriate officers would be helpful and we should invite the business club as well.”
The meeting heard that parking for the disabled should also be looked at.
Members agreed to try to arrange a meeting with county council highways officers, and include the business club in any discussions. A meeting with residents could also follow.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Northumberland
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
