Council forces u-turn on closure of parking laybys

Ashfield District Council and local traders have reversed Nottinghamshire County Council’s decision to close parking laybys outside popular independent retailers in Kirkby and Sutton.

The County Councils proposed plans would have seen the laybys on Station Street, Kirkby and Forest Street, Sutton closed to provide more space for pedestrians. The laybys are located outside some of the towns most popular independent shops who rely on the parking for passing customers and deliveries.

Officers from the Council’s Town Centre team visited affected businesses, who all opposed the County Councils proposed plans. Kirkby sandwich shop, Scoffers, started a petition signed by all those affected and this was submitted to the County Council with a letter from Ashfield District Council’s Chief Officer, Carol Cooper-Smith.

Today Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed they won’t be implementing the closures, meaning the parking laybys will remain open as the retailers reopen in the run up to Christmas.

Cllr Daniel Williamson, Councillor for Kirkby Cross and Portland said:

“This is a fantastic result for local retailers, more than ever they need customers to be able to quickly and easily access their businesses. In the run up to Christmas it was vital that the parking laybys were open for customers.

“Council officers worked closely with local businesses, and it is fantastic that we could help them in their fight, this is a victory for all involved.”

The Council are encouraging you to shop small and support your local independent retailer this Christmas. Weekend parking will be free at in all Ashfield District Council town centre car parks throughout December.