6:30pm Monday 6th September 2010
By Catherine Pye
A GARAGE owner said he 'could be finished' if parking restrictions are not lifted around his business.
Chris Ward has run Sudell Road Motors in Darwen for 22 years.
But he said ‘no unloading’ limits brought in last week because of the opening of the new Darwen Academy building across the road, meant he could no longer have parts delivered.
Council bosses said they brought in the measure following a full consultation.
Mr Ward said: "I’ve got to run a business, and how can I do that if I can’t get the parts? It’ll finish me without them.”
“Three months ago a man from the Highways department came to have a look at the road and I told him I need a drop off zone outside.
“Then all of a sudden workmen came along and drew up the lines and there’s been a no unloading sign put up against my rails.
“I’ve been here 22 years and for the last 18 months I’ve put up with a lot because of the academy building.
“There’s been every road to my business dug up for weeks on end, and I’ve had to cancel jobs because of it.
“Now there’s this. The academy has an entrepeneurial specialism to encourage more businesses, but look what’s happening to mine.”
The road restrictions, including double yellow lines, have been put in place to improve safety for pupils around the school building.
Darwen Mayor and sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “I’ve been onto the highways department about this because I think it’s scandalous.
“He’s going to end up losing business and that’s disgusting."
George Bell, who is in charge of highways for the council’s partner Capita Symonds, said the consultation 'gave all residents and business owners the opportunity to have their say'.
He said: "One of our highways officers met Mr Ward at his business premises to discuss his concerns. The officer explained the reasons for the restrictions. No verbal agreement was made as this would have a detrimental effect on the whole scheme and safety around the academy."
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