Parking limit a ‘victory for common sense’ From Durham Times

 

VILLAGERS have hailed a ‘victory for common sense’ after councillors banned motorists from parking on a shopping street for more than two hours.

Durham County Council’s highways committee approved the waiting restriction for the south side of Broom Lane, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham City, today.

Inconsiderate motorists leaving their vehicles on the street all day were threatening the viability of its shops, councillors were told.

Afterwards, Graham Kirkup, owner of G&S News, said: “I’m very pleased.”

John Booth, chairman of Ushaw Moor Action Group, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. It’s a victory for common sense.”

Ushaw Moor county councillor John Wilkinson said: “We can’t afford anymore shops to close in Ushaw Moor.”

The restrictions will apply from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

The proposals met with widespread public support during a consultation, although there were seven objections; with some people saying there were no problems in the area and others saying the limit should be longer than two hours.

Coun Jean Chaplow told yesterday’s County Hall meeting that she was not against the plans but had ‘grave concerns’.

There were two hairdresser’s nearby where customers stayed for longer than two hours, she said.

“I’m afraid the first person to get a £70 fine won’t come back and use our shops – they’ll go to Langley Moor.”

Coun Chaplow also questioned whether shoppers would walk from a nearby car park off Station Road and how the council would enforce the changes.

David Battensby, a council highways official, said there would still be unlimited parking available on the north side of Broom Lane and enforcement would be by a council contractor.

Coun Wilkinson said: “Without these parking measures, I’m convinced that another general dealer’s will close in Ushaw Moor. What’s going to happen if there are no real shops?

“Ushaw Moor is the largest village in the Deerness Valley. It deserves this parking scheme.”

Coun Paul Stradling asked whether a decision could be postponed to find a solution acceptable to all.

However, Coun Carol Woods said it was important to support local businesses and suggested approving the scheme, with monitoring.

The changes were approved unanimously.

FROM Durham Times

Parking limit a ‘victory for common sense’ From Durham Times.

Fond farewell to Father Coxon – Community – Hartlepool Mail

TWO church congregations have said a fond farewell to their priest.

Father David Coxon, of St Joseph’s Church and St John Vianney, in Hartlepool, moved onto pastures new at St Joseph’s, in West Ushaw Moor, last week.

He has been at St Joseph’s since 1998, and has fond memories of his time in Hartlepool.

He said: “I have very, very much enjoyed Hartlepool.

“There have been ups and downs, but that’s life.

“One or two people have sent cards and said they will miss me, which is lovely and much appreciated.”

Fr Michael Griffiths will replace Fr Coxon.

via Fond farewell to Father Coxon – Community – Hartlepool Mail.

Troubled Durham off-licence to sell booze again From Durham Times

ALCOHOL is to again be sold from a village store previously stripped of its off-licence for selling drinks to under-age youngsters.

Durham County Council revoked the off-licence of Lazer News and Video, on Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor, in July 2009 after it twice failed ‘test purchases’ by police-supervised under-age volunteers.

Residents claimed the store attracted anti-social behaviour including drunkenness, shouting and swearing, verbal abuse and youths urinating in nearby streets.

The store’s then-owner, Ajay Kumar Nayyar, withdrew an appeal against the decision in November 2009.

Last week, new operator Lokugamage Rohitha Jathunarachchi persuaded councillors to issue a new off-licence for the premises, now known as Ushaw Moor Convenience Store.

Durham County Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee granted a licence for the sale of alcohol from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.

The application attracted opposition from neighbours and a nearby business.

Twenty-five residents of High View signed a petition objecting to the bid, warning its approval would lead to problems of abuse and anti-social behaviour returning again. Ushaw Moor Action Group also raised concerns.

via Troubled Durham off-licence to sell booze again From Durham Times.