Permit parking '˜will be bad for our businesses'

Richard Stevens owns MPM Oil (UK) Ltd on Bedford Street and two other businesses on Lammas Walk. He said the restriction will make it impossible for some staff to get to work.

Mr Stevens also insisted Central Bedfordshire Council hadn’t consulted businesses on the matter.

He said: “It is of great concern that this proposal has gone ahead, despite us businesses on the affected streets not being consulted about this previously.

“It appears that no consideration has gone into the effects on the small local businesses on the streets.

“I have two businesses in separate buildings on Lammas Walk... It is difficult enough to find the right staff as it is, but I fear that once parking is taken away from them, it will create a great difficulty.”

He added: “I feel [Central Bedfordshire Council] are penalising the few businesses on this street by limiting the parking permit to the residents only.

“I have to ask the question, but where will my business managers, account managers, reps, marketing managers and even clients be expected to park when they visit the premises?”

In response to Mr Stevens’ claims, a Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman said: “We carried out a preliminary consultation in October and November 2015 to gauge residents’ views.

“A high number said they experienced parking problems and a good proportion favoured a residents’ permit parking scheme.

“We published the proposed residents permit parking scheme on June 21, 2016 and consulted with residents with letters and notices.

“Notices were also published in the LBO and we consulted others, such as the Town Council and Ward Members.

“We are now implementing the parking scheme and we’ve written to local people to inform them and to advise how they can apply for permits.”