WANSTEAD: Yellow lines 'strangling business'

10:51am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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WORRIED traders claim their livelihoods are at risk thanks to 'senseless' new parking restrictions outside their shops.

Double yellow lines and no loading' signs have been introduced on the west side of Wanstead High Street - and now businesses have joined disabled groups in slamming the council.

Londis convenience store manager, Nish Pau, told the Guardian he feared for the future of his business after the new lines forced countless customers and a delivery firm, to go elsewhere.

He explained: "Nobody is going to pull up outside my shop and run in to buy an ice cream or a pack of cigarettes now.

"I've already had a supplier who has refused to turn up again because of lack of parking.

"It is affecting us as members of the public are driving up the side alley next to the shop looking for somewhere to park, which blocks us in and can cause road rage."

As reported in the Guardian last week, the move has left legitimate blue badge holders unable to access crucial amenities in the area as the only disabled bays are located in the Snaresbrook end of the High Street.

Nice Croissant manager, Kerry Dainty has a loading bay outside her shop.

She said: "I do think there should be more loading bays available as it's absolutely crucial.

"It must be hard for all businesses, especially in the current economic circumstances, as it makes it a little bit more difficult."

Snaresbrook ward councillor Sue Nolan said the new restrictions were introduced following a long period of consideration.

She added: "The reason why double yellow lines were introduced was because of the terrible congestion in the High Street.

"Shopkeepers, Transport for London, the police and the public have all called for this and people can still park on the other side, without pay-and-display charges, which is better than in many other shopping areas.

"I understand their concerns but hopefully delivery drivers will learn to work around this and arrive early in the morning, or late at night."

A council spokesman said: "The recently revised parking and loading restrictions were implemented to address the congestion and road safety conditions in the High Street, this followed a number of complaints and discussions at area committee.

"Traffic management orders were advertised in the local press and on site, in accordance with the statutory requirements. No objections were received so the order was made and the restrictions implemented."