Businesses' petition against parking restrictions in Rhyl

Dec 17 2008 by Justine Bailey, Denbigh Visitor

Petition protest on parking restriction

BUSINESS people already hit by the credit crunch are suffering so badly following new parking restrictions outside their premises they have launched a petition to get the county council to review the situation.

Denbighshire Council’s highways chiefs claimed the new rules would resolve traffic problems in Rhyl’s “chaotic” town centre by Christmas. But Wellington Road traders claim they will be put out of business because customers are unable to get to them.

They claim trade has already been badly affected and have started a campaign which they hope will lead to Denbighshire highways looking at the situation soon, before it is too late.

Simon Cabb, owner of Barnetts, said: “It is an utter nightmare and unless something is done I won’t be trading this time next year.

“This will totally wreck businesses. I am not suggesting I know the answer, but if this is the best they can come up with it is disgraceful.

“They have said they might look into it next year, but it might be too late.

“We are all suffering. Customers of Langs Jewellers have complained and Oldhams bakery shop have already had several cancelled orders.

“I can’t load or unload outside my shop. It has been so quiet since these changes. People are scared of coming in case they get a ticket. If Woolworths can go, and they didn’t have a problem with parking then what hope have we got?”

Cllr Colin Jones said: “The area hasn't been very profitable for a long time. The new restrictions are coming in just before what could be a poorer than usual Christmas. It's a pity the scheme couldn't have been delayed until afterwards.

“I'm backing traders’ call for Denbighshire Council’s highways department to take a fresh look at the situation.”

The order restricts parking in 34 streets, banning motorists from stopping in the High Street, part of Wellington Road and nearby.

The changes have been welcomed by residents and pedestrians.