Yellow lines concern

10:52am Monday 3rd December 2007

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I am not surprised at the reaction of Peter Smith.

I was informed of the meeting by a letter from the MP David Borrow, who did not bother to attend himself.

No official notice by LCC was given.

I did go to the meeting, which was held at Longton, to voice my concerns because my husband is disabled and needs carers several times a day.

We have a small drive made even smaller by having to have a ramp.

So only room for one car.

Ward Coun McNulty apparently did not raise objections to the yellow lines at the council meeting where they were first discussed, and did not speak at the Longton meeting.

Ward Coun Demack, who lives in Longton, did not attend the meeting, nor did the principal of Runshaw College.

Some residents asked about 'except for access' and 'residents permits', these were dismissed by the committee.

Police Inspector Andy Mourne said that we were a 'low priority' to police.

We were invited to raise objections or support at this meeting.

I raised the question of carers parking and of my family who also help with my husbands care, to no avail.

Others spoke but it seemed obvious, to me, that the decision was 'cut and dried' before the meeting.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson, who was reported to have had previous discussions with Runshaw College, responded to the loudest of the majority attending the meeting by increasing the parking restriction.

Without further discussion the other members of the committee bleated their acceptance and the restrictions were passed. What power!

Of course the problem lies with the college and the authorities by not providing enough parking for the expanding business.

The yellow lines will have a 'knock on' effect. The students will probably park on Worden Park or the Mayfield estate or Tesco.

Yellow lines are of course cheaper than building a car park, and more lucrative for council in parking fines.

You only have to drive in the area of Runshaw College 4.30pm onwards to see that previous yellow lines have had little effect.

Lyn Knowles Via email