Waiting restriction proposal following Councillor’s crash thrown out

Plans to implement parking restrictions on two Castleton streets - because a Councillor had a crash - have been thrown out.

Proposals for ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions on parts of Smalley Street and Atkinson Street in Castleton were suggested after Spotland and Falinge Ward Councillor Barbara Todd wrote her car off at the junction.

The council report said that cars were parked “indiscriminately’ at the junction of Atkinson Street and Smalley Street causing “sightlines to be blocked” which in turn caused “road safety issues for vehicles accessing and exiting Atkinson Street.”

The plans were met with objection from residents living on the named streets.

A petition signed by 28 people opposing the plans was received by the Council, as were several letters.

Complaints raised related to the limited number of parking spaces already available.

The report presented to councillors read: “The Director of Impact Partnership proposes to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on Atkinson Street and Smalley Street to regulate parking therefore addressing road safety issues that are currently experienced in this area.”

However, Tom Brogan of Smalley Street said the accident involving Barbara Todd was the only accident there in 20 years.

Mr Brogan stressed that the move would cause “havoc.” He added that there are other junctions with poor visibility and if this was implemented everywhere every terraced street would suffer from “massive” car parking problems.

Councillor Todd declared an interest in the agenda item and was asked to leave the room.

Councillors called for the proposal to be “thrown out.”

Castleton Councillor, Jean Hornby, said: “Why are we spending this money when the residents don’t want it?

“Everyone knows this is not wanted, yet it has been going on since February, it went to one committee then put back to the next one then to Action Resources and now Township.

“It is simple and clear yet we have gone all around the houses wasting time and money.”

Councillor Pat Flynn questioned why this had been pursued. Adding that she and Councillor Todd had tried to get it withdrawn.