NEW parking restrictions have been agreed for a Ribble Valley village, after traders said limited spaces were impacting on the economy.

Lancashire County Council has approved a new parking order for Whalley village centre, after concerns were raised over parking problems.

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The plans were met with objections following a consultation, but have been approved by County Cllr John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport.

A full re-think of parking regulations in the village was requested by the Chamber of Trade and the parish council, because the available visitor and shopping parking was being ‘occupied by local workers’.

They said the limited availability of parking for shoppers was ‘impacting on trade’, and said: “In the long term it is concerned that this will reflect on the viability of the village.”

A report to County Cllr Fillis said a meeting was held last summer with representatives from the area to discuss the parking problems in Whalley, and the principles of the new scheme were agreed.

It said: “These included a request to maximise the limited parking provision on King Street, Whalley but at the same time redistribute road space so that traffic would be able to pass through the area without excessive delays.

“The main principle of the proposal was to prevent all day parking from occupying prime parking bays, preserving the bays for visitors and shoppers.

“It was agreed that the parking period should be two hours with no return in two hours and to operate from Monday through to Saturday between 8am and 6pm.”

It said the meeting also highlighted plans to narrow the footways in part of King Street to allow parking on both sides of the road, and to widen the footways on another part of King Street.

Despite objections, plans have now been agreed and the report said: “Having reviewed all the objections it is still the view of the local representatives that the changes are necessary to maintain the continued vibrancy of the community.”

The scheme will be funded from the Ribble Valley highways revenue new road signs and road markings budget, at an estimated cost of £2,500.