Traders see red over yellow-line proposals

Apr 17 2008 By Gary Fanning

FURIOUS traders this week claimed proposals to introduce double-yellow lines outside their shops will drive them out of business.

They blasted plans to stop loading and waiting in Union Street.

The struggling shop owners said the proposals will cost them thousands of pounds and drive customers away — leaving Larkhall like a ‘ghost town’.

David Airey, owner of DJS Computer Consultants, is up in arms over the South Lanarkshire Council proposals.

He said: “Businesses are already suffering badly as it is.

“Traders on the south side of Union Street are losing thousands of pounds every week.

“Enough shops in Union Street have closed down recently.

“We can’t afford to lose any more trade in the main street or more businesses will fold.

“The council are planning to put double-yellow lines outside my shop, so where are my customers supposed to park or my deliveries supposed to go?

“If they park outside my shop, they will be hit with £60 fines.”

The proposals are part of the council’s Larkhall Town Centre Waiting and Loading and Amendment Order 2008.

The Traffic Regulation Order will introduce waiting and loading restrictions at all times on parts of Union Street.

Mr Airey is angry that there has been no consultation with businesses.

He added: “Until there is proper consultation with businesses and Larkhall Community Council, I would urge that the Traffic Order is postponed.

“We have no room at the back of our shops for delivery as the access has been blocked off by new flats.

“Where now is the official loading area for our shops?”

Mr Airey is one of several traders in Union Street opposed to the proposals.

Marina Treta — whose children own Spuntini Bistro and Da Luigi fish and chip takeaway in Union Street — hit out at the Traffic Order.

She said: “If the council want Larkhall to become a ghost town, then they are going the right way about it.

“We are investing money in Larkhall and doing our best to make our shops nice. If the proposals go ahead, Larkhall will end up with no shops.”

Waiyin Choi, of Choi’s Chinese takeaway in Union Street, said the move will put her business at risk.

She said: “We are not happy with the proposed parking arrangements.

“Customers won’t come into our shop if there is no parking — they will go elsewhere.”

A South Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: “We are currently in the middle of a public consultation exercise, with a view to introducing restrictions on waiting and loading at all times on a section of Union Street.

“Some vehicles park too close to traffic signals, which has a detrimental effect on traffic flow in the town.

“This is our main reason for suggesting these changes.

“Detailed plans are available for inspection at the Larkhall Q&A office and at the divisional office in Hamilton’s Brandon Gate.

“If the restrictions are introduced, we are confident that all businesses will have adequate servicing available.”