RESIDENTS fear a proposed move to axe parking spaces on a busy road in Colchester will “push shoppers out of town”.
Essex Highways’ plans to cut on-street parking spaces in East Hill are under consultation and patients using two GP surgeries and a pharmacy are worried it will make accessing essential services difficult.
Day Lewis Pharmacy customer David Terence urged highways bosses to reconsider their proposals.
The 71-year-old told the Gazette: “I’ve moved out of the area so don’t use the pharmacy too often these days.
"But whenever I do have to drive here parking is always very difficult and I think cutting down parking spaces on the hill would make it even more difficult.”
Mr Terence, who previously lived in Rouse Way, which is a short walk from East Hill, fears a reduction in on-street parking on the major route will cause chaos on nearby residential streets.
“It was always very disappointing that people used to wait for cars to leave for work in the morning so they could park outside our homes so they could walk into town without paying for parking,” he added.
“I think more people will start parking on the estate if the council gets its own way which quite frankly is unacceptable.”
The proposals could see no waiting restrictions imposed along most of the hill, leaving 32.5m of on-street parking, enough for about six well-parked cars, outside the St James the Great Church.
Existing parking spaces would be replaced with new cycleways and crossing facilities as part of the highways authority’s commitment to making walking and cycling safer in the city.
Colchester resident Mary Adams branded the proposals “daft”.
“Has anyone got the breath to cycle up that hill,” she questioned. “Pushing even more shoppers out of town.”
The East Hill Surgery and Castle Gardens Medical Centre has a small car park for staff and disabled patients and there are two private car parks off East Hill in Roman Road, as well as a council-run car park in nearby Priory Street.
Jackie High said parking behind the GP surgery is “a nightmare” with “hardly any places”.
Tom Cunningham, the county councillor responsible for highways, infrastructure, and sustainable transport, however, believes the scheme will improve the area.
He said: “The plans will enhance East Hill, making it more accessible while also maintaining its rich historic character as a conservation area."
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