FRUSTRATED VILLAGERS claim new car parking restrictions in Uppermill have been “steamrollered” through despite their objections.
Changes to the maximum stay and no return periods in some car parks in the bustling village came into force this month following a review by the Traffic and Transport Subgroup. 
They include a maximum stay decrease at the Hare and Hounds car park from two hours to one and an increase from two hours to three at the King George V Playing Fields, with restrictions also applying to blue badge holders.
But some locals have hit out at the changes, arguing their opinions have been ignored and the new rules will creates difficulties for business owners and workers parking throughout the day.
Nick Watts, who lives and works in Uppermill, raised a petition with 750 signatures against the parking restrictions when they were first altered in 2010.
He said: “This new initiative goes against our petition and rather shockingly has been steamrollered through.
“I’ve followed the council’s own suggestion of raising a petition which has been ignored since it was handed over to OMBC in the TRO Panel meeting in 2010.
“I’ve contacted my elected parish and borough councillors who wanted to support me but didn’t get an opportunity to vote on it
“And I’ve contacted my MP, who encouraged the borough council not to do it – but they have gone against her recommendation as well.
“I feel OMBC are unfairly ‘taxing’ the people of Saddleworth without giving them or their elected representatives an opportunity to oppose or even democratically vote on the matter.”
Speaking at the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership meeting last month, Cllr Graham Sheldon added his concerns.
He said: “I am all in favour of parking restrictions to keep the flow of traffic moving but it is hard for the people who perhaps work or have to stay in the village longer than usual.”
But Cllr Royce Franklin insisted the restrictions are crucial for business and no exceptions can be made.
“It is important to keep places for shoppers so there is a through flow of traffic and spaces,” he said. “If we go down the route of making exceptions then we are asking for trouble.
“I feel it is better than it was. For example in the market place on Wednesdays, there are now more market stalls than there were because we have kept it clear of cars.”
Cllr John McCann added: “The fact the parking remains free is a vital part of keeping the businesses in Uppermill viable.
“Restrictions end at 6pm so residents can in effect park from say 4pm to 10am the next day if so required on most car parks.”
| Car Park | Previous period of waiting | New period of waiting |
|---|---|---|
| Saddleworth Museum | 3 hours no return within 4 hours | 3 hours no return within 3 hours |
| Smithy Lane | 2 hours no return within 4 hours | 2 hours no return within 2 hours |
| Hare and Hounds | 2 hours no return within 4 hours | 1 hour no return within 1 hour |
| King George V Playing Fields car park Uppermill | 2 hours no return within 4 hours | 3 hours no return within 3 hours |
Oldham Council said there was extensive consultation about the changes with the Parish Council and businesses, who recognised the importance of a quicker turn around.
Long-term parking for staff and business people who need to park all day is available a short walk away at Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism, said: “We agreed to look at arrangements in some of the council-owned car parks in Uppermill.
“It was requested we amend the length of time vehicles could be left to help encourage the turnover of spaces.
“This would benefit local businesses and shops as more people will be able to use bays that previously may have been taken for longer periods.
“The changes were put in place following consultation with local ward councillors.”
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