Long-serving trader in threat to leave town

Davy Crawford, who has been in business in William Street for 30 years, said he’s preparing to move out after a dispute over the parking space outside his flooring outlet.

He said: “It used to be a single yellow line which was fine. If a delivery lorry came along they knew three minutes was as long as they’d have to wait.

“Then the public realm works started and it was only after talking to the workmen that I found out they were changing the spaces to one-hour parking spaces.”

A site meeting was held following concerns raised by traders. After the meeting Davy said he was promised the space outside his business would become a loading bay. Council said the option of a loading bay was only a suggestion. A spokesperson said: “Council don’t have the authority to implement a change of this kind without prior agreement with Roads Service, however council were keen to accommodate traders’ concerns to enable an amendment to the scheme.”

According to council a letter of support with signatures from a number of businesses in William Street was put forward requesting a loading bay. They said a number of businesses in the street also objected to the request.

After a second meeting, and with no agreement being reached among traders, council decided the original plan for one-hour spaces would be adhered to.

Davy said: “This is the only way I can get deliveries in and out of my shop. With carpets they need to go straight in so if a car is in the space I can’t get any stock into my shop.

“There hasn’t been parking spaces here for 30 years so why do we need them now?

“If I can’t get deliveries into my business then I’ve no choice but to relocate.”

Defending the public realm scheme, council said it has created 11 additional parking bays in William Street.