A CONTROVERSIAL parking scheme in Clitheroe has been given the go-ahead despite opposition from businesses and residents.

The scheme, which was introduced as a trial in February 2012, has been approved to continue by Lancashire County Council.

Under the rules, cars can only park in Albion Street, Church Street, Church Brow, Church Brow Gardens and York Street for a maximum of two hours.

Residents can apply to purchase an annual permit which allows them unlimited parking.

During a recent consultation, the council received 29 objections, with 18 coming from businesses in the area.

The saga to create a scheme began more than eight years ago when the county council made a commitment to introduce the plan.

Jane Robinson, manager at The Borough Printing Shop, in York Street, said: “It’s bad news that this scheme has been made permanent because it costs businesses on these roads trade.

“I’ve been against it from the start and it congests our street and leaves no parking for our customers.”

Albert Lukas, director at Affordable Mobility in York Street, said: “Many of my customers need to park outside the shop to make it easier for them to get in but they are just not able to do it.

“I can understand that residents need parking near their houses but we also need trade.”

Annette Chitty, partner at Maison Interiors in York Street, said: “Anything that restricts parking in a town centre is crazy. Businesses lose out on vital trade and the residents knew about the lack of parking when they bought their houses.

“There should be free unrestricted parking throughout the town centre.”

The county council also received nine letters of support, with some residents saying that they used to have to move their cars every few hours before the restrictions were introduced.

Clitheroe town councillor Allan Knox said: “I think after so many years of trying to get this introduced I would congratulate the residents on persevering.

“The issue was around them having to move their cars every few hours during the day and this scheme gives them unlimited parking by their houses.

“The mixed bays allow both residents and shoppers to use the spaces.”