A controversial parking permit scheme could be the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for struggling town centre businesses, shopkeepers fear. The proposed new zone aims to ‘provide and protect on-street parking’ for people in the Durnford Street area of Middleton, following complaints of non-residents parking up outside their homes during the day.
More than 65pc of residents voted in favour of the scheme following a third consultation. A traffic regulation order (TRO) covering roads including Mellalieu Street, Rectory Street and Sadler Street has now been advertised. Rochdale council is urging people to have their say by Thursday this week (September 29).
Anthony Sharkey, manager of ACE Clearance, in Sadler Street, worries it will sound the death knell for his business and many others badly hit by the cost of living crisis. “Higher energy prices, higher transport costs, higher stock prices, etc are all having a massive effect on us,” he said. “This could be the final nail in the coffin for loads of local businesses.”
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