Halesowen parking bans scaled back after complaints

Sweeping parking bans near businesses and houses in Halesowen have been scaled back following more than 2,000 complaints and petitions to council chiefs, it emerged today.

Some proposed no parking zones have been reduced in size and waiting restrictions planned for several other sites including the Shell Corner area will be eased. The move follows feedback from a public consultation in the summer.

Traders and residents joined forces to condemn parts of the plan, saying restrictions could hit businesses and leave visitors to homes with problems.

Councillors are expected to adopt the £30,000 scaled-back plans at a Halesowen Area Committee meeting next month before transport boss, Councillor Angus Adams, signs off on the scheme by the end of the year.

Nine petitions protesting at the scale or the original scheme were handed into the council with 2,389 signatures.

The main petitions raised were 680 signatures relating to Fairfield Drive and Narrow Lane and 1,340 signatures regarding proposals for Long Lane between Belgrave Road and Southwick Road.

Alterations have been made to 10 of the 15 proposed new restrictions and changes to road regulations. These include shortening proposed double yellow lines for Greenhill Road, Woodland Road and Beechfield Close.

Parking bays could be introduced in Long Lane close to businesses at Shell Corner.

A number of other schemes have been altered to include parking at certain times. Traders have cautiously welcomed the news but will be attending the upcoming meeting to hear what councillors had to say when approving the plans.

Businessman Mike Rizzo, who owns Snooks Snooker Club, in Long Lane, said: "The extra parking is good news."

Cabinet member for transport, Councillor Adams, said: "The whole idea of having a consultation was to listen to what people have to say and possibly making adjustments."

The plans will be discussed at Halesowen Area Committee on November 10.