A FRUSTRATED councillor claims different width double yellow lines have turned a popular village into a ‘liquorice allsorts’ village.
The recently-painted lines along Uppermill High Street vary in width at some points and, in one area, are a totally different width from lines on the opposite side of the road.
Problems started after major sewer works in the village were completed and the road resurfaced and yellow parking restrictions lines were repainted.
However, keen-eyed conservationists noticed the lines had been painted like for like – not in the spirit of a conservation area where lines are thinner.
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Lesley Brown, who is also chair of Saddleworth Civic Trust, said: “The council stopped painting thicker lines and reverted to the thinner double lines.
“It makes the village look a mess, like a bad set of liquorice allsorts.
“For example, lines on one side of High Street are double thickness to the the other. It is very confusing and in some cases, cobble stones have been painted over.”
Saddleworth Parish Cllr Mike Buckley added: “The new road surface is a vast improvement and Oldham are to be congratulated in carrying out the work at night to minimise disruption.
“But after the first section was complete it was apparent the old wide yellow lines had been being replaced like for like.
“Uppermill is a conservation area and national guidelines say thinner, lighter coloured not parking lines should be used in such situations.
He added: “After speaking to the senior engineer at Unity Partnership it had been agreed the narrow lines will be used for the rest of the project.”
“I would like to thank Unity and the Council for their rapid response and their appreciation of the importance of maintaining the character of our Saddleworth villages.”
An Oldham Council spokesman said: “Following concerns from the public about the yellow lines when they were replaced, we have listened and acted.
“It has now been agreed the narrow lines will be used during the current road resurfacing works to tie in with the conservation areas.”
With a final comment, Cllr Brown said: “Unfortunately they are leaving the ones they have already painted.”
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