BUSINESS owners have made a last-ditch plea to stop parking restrictions outside their shops in Darwen.

The proposal, for a single yellow line on the south side of Moss Fold Road and limited waiting bays on the opposite side, is one of a batch of orders awaiting sign-off by council highways boss Maureen Bateson.

She is expected to allow the changes, which will be made in the new year.

The council’s planning and highways committee faced opposition when the plans were discussed at Blackburn Town Hall last month .

A petition, signed by 138 people, was presented and two local businesses and one nearby resident also wrote to oppose the plans.

The council hopes the restrictions will keep the entrance to the road from the A666 clear during the day after Pendle Doors Ltd raised concerns about safe lorry access to and from its premises.

But independent businesses along the street said they were reliant on passing trade and depriving them of parking spaces will be detrimental to their business. Angela Keyes, who owns ABM Salon hairdressers in Moss Fold Road, said: “I was hoping to reopen my business in the new year but I just don’t know if it’s worth it now. There are only a few little shops here but we are so reliant on passing trade, the lack of parking would just kill us off. We are all really upset and worried about it and nobody has been in touch to tell us if they are definitely going ahead with it or not.”

Sudell councillor Paul Browne said: “In my opinion, the proposals made are the best for the area.

“I think that people were worried that it was going to be double yellow lines but it won’t be.

“People will still be able to park outside of the shops after 6pm.

“I can understand the concerns of those with small businesses but there are other places to park on the A666.”

Brian Bailey, the council’s director of regeneration said: “The views of the objectors and the recommendation of the planning and highways committee will be taken into account.”