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Survey results in a 'no' for parking permits at lake

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 03 January 2010

Two surveys regarding parking permits for residents at Hollingworth Lake, costing £4,500, have failed to reach a conclusion. The Pennines Township has now decided to look at alternative options.

The first survey was carried out in May 2009 and the cabinet agreed that 75% return was required.

The survey returned with a result of 57 % therefore, less than the required 75%. The initial budget allocation for the survey was £4,000 from the Township’s funds.

Due to some members of the public raising objections, a further survey was carried out again requiring a 75% return.

The question was ‘Are you in favour of Residents Parking Permits?’ with a tick box Yes or No.

It also stated a non return would count as a ‘No’ vote. This was a decision made by the committee. A paid return envelope was also included. This survey also failed to attract a 75% return in favour, with a result of 64%.

Chairwoman of the Pennines Township, Councillor Jean Ashworth said: “We as elected members are duty bound to adhere to the rules set democratically by the whole Council, in advance and agree on and support residents both for and against which in this case two surveys at a cost of now £4,500 paid out of the Pennines Capital fund has proved without doubt that not everyone is in agreement and rules are set to give everyone a fair chance. We have tried to take into account those both for and against.

“As Chair I did not need to ask for a show of hands as the policy of a 75% return had already been agreed. We have, however agreed to continue to look at parking issues and assured residents before they left the meeting that signage would be looked at as a priority.

“Officers will also look at other options as we do understand that, although you have chosen to live in a spectacular leisure area which attracts visitors and the benefits of tourism to our Borough parking will always be an issue locally.”

Another cause for concern is inconsiderate parking, the Township have asked for more traffic wardens in the area to keep on top of people parking in residential areas to avoid paying for parking on the available car parks.

Comments

£4,500 for a survey of residents parking, ridiculous. Surely all the council has to do is provide a permit stating that vehicle registration can park outside their own property.
How they get the extortionate figure is beyond comprehension.
Councillor Jean Ashworth, is duty bound to abide by the full council, however, the council could be wrong.

It is also strange how the figure of 75% was arrived at, strange when 51% usually carries the day. Still stranger things could happen.
How on earth can someone not returning a vote be counted as a NO?! Does that mean if there is only a 40% turnout at local elections that all those who do not vote actually win the day?

I am extremely upset with Councillor Jean Ashworth`s comments regarding parking at Hollingworth Lake.
Neither consultation had pre paid envelopes, and in this day and age of junk mail many people discarded the A4 piece of paper!
Obviously as “Chair” of the Pennine Township she is very misinformed.
Can she as “Chair” explain where the £4,500 was spent?

Who decides the 75% figure?
Can we now use this as the new rule when electing Councillor Jean Ashworth please!
£4,500 spent by Pennine Township on a survey to determine what could be done regarding the road by the side of Hollingworth Lake.
Oops the Council have no say on this road as doesn’t belong to them, but its okay as its not 75%.

Could anyone tell me why in all this money wasting exercise residents of Lake Bank where not consulted or ballotted despite consulting councillors?

Were Lake Bank not consulted? This seems crazy as it can only be described as an accident waiting to happen!

The streets that came into the scheme are not by the Lake, but are avenues behind Lake Bank. Most of these houses have long drives and garages. Lake Bank residents were not included in the survey and, despite consulting Councillors Peter Evans and Pauline McGuire, were totally ignored. How can the Council justify this disgraceful waste of tax payers money?