Nelson-based haulage firm gets nod to expand (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Nelson-based haulage firm gets nod to expand

8:26am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Nelson By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

A HAULAGE firm has been given the green light to expand, despite a row over weekend working.

Nelson-based Matthew Kibble Transport wanted to expand its site at Profile Park, in Junction Street, with a 24-space lorry park.

But residents raised concerns over weekend working hours with members of Nelson Area Committee.

The firm wanted to be allowed to operate at the weekend for tasks such as moving lorries, and allowing its vehicles to return.

But it had to settle for reduced hours after some councillors blocked the move.

Rather than be allowed to use the facility from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, the operating times were fixed as 10am to 4pm on Saturday, and noon to 4pm on Sunday.

Bosses from Matthew Kibble told councillors that weekend work was confined to moving vehicles about, and allowing vehicles that have been out for the week to return and be stored away.

Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: “Most businesses work on weekends now.

“Gone are the days when everywhere was shut on a Sunday. That ended in the 70s and 80s.

“I think these are reasonable hours at the weekend. You already get heavy duty lorries going down Leeds Road at 2am, so this is nothing compared to that noise. We should support our local businesses where possible.”

But Coun Eileen Ansar said: “I don’t think they should be trading on a Sunday. A Saturday is one thing, but residents want peace on a Sunday.”

Coun Nadeem Younis said: “In the present economic climate, in a business such as Mr Kibble’s, we should compromise on the weekend hours.”

The application was passed with the reduced weekend hours.