Brandwood End traders begin to feel parking pinch

Dec 29 2009 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM traders accused council officials of threatening their livelihoods over parking restrictions they said were driving away customers.

Businesses in Lindsworth Approach, Brandwood End, said the city council’s decision to stop them parking on a pavement outside forced them to park on the road – leaving no space for customers.

They also claimed builders from the authority erected railings and bollards and painted no parking markings without any consultation.

Mandy Multani, postmistress at the Post Office in Lindsworth Approach, said some of her weekly cash deliveries had not been completed, leaving her with no money in the till on several occasions.

The mother-of-two claims the security van drivers have refused the deliveries because they cannot get close enough to the shop and do not feel safe walking with the cash. “It’s making life difficult for them which is why they are not always making the deliveries,” she said.

“For years we used to park on the pavement then one morning without any consultation the council came along and put these restrictions in place.

“Since then there’s been a big drop in trade which other businesses are feeling too.

“This is definitely putting our livelihoods at risk because customers can’t park so they go somewhere else.”

Hall Green MP Steve McCabe has called on the council to remove the restrictions.

The Labour politician said: “I am astonished council officials saw fit to block the only safe access for security vans to the Post Office. Come on Birmingham City Council, this isn’t rocket science.”

Salinder Athwal, who runs the Spar convenience store, said: “Customers often complain about having to drive round in circles before being able to park which is causing chaos on the roads.”

A council spokesman said: “The council painted markings to remind car users parking on the pavement is illegal.

“This was done at the request of local people and the police in response to safety concerns for pedestrians.

“Regarding the delivery of money to the Post Office we are taking immediate steps to see how the matter can be resolved.”