LYME REGIS: Businesses turned out in force to tackle changes to waiting restrictions in the town amid fears trade would be hit.

The various changes were proposed by Dorset County Council’s Highways Depart-ment in a bid to improve parking, traffic flow and general congestion both in and around Lyme Regis.

Lyme Regis town councillors considered the waiting restriction changes at a Planning and Highways committee meeting.

Proposals included a ‘no stopping’ restriction between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday on the yellow ‘School Keep Clear’ markings at King’s Way.

The introduction of a ‘no loading or unloading’ restriction at any time on both sides of Cobb Road, including its southern terminus and centre island – was also proposed.

But businesses blasted these proposals, arguing they had not been consulted on beforehand, which should have been ‘common courtesy’.

Ash McClements, owner of Harbour Stores and neighbouring ice cream parlour, clarified that there were 30 businesses in the Cobb area that together pay £250,000 annually in business rates.

She said the ‘oversight in the proposals’ would prevent deliveries to these businesses.

Another business owner claimed proposals would oppose the harmony that existed between lorry drivers, who stop at the Cobb for a break.

Councillors agreed that the arrangements in Cobb Square seemed to work but Cobb Road needed to be addressed to stop disabled badge holders and vans parking there and causing an obstruction.

Members also agreed that any restrictions on Cobb Road should take account of access and deliveries to Hix Oyster and Fish House.

Councillors also agreed to discuss timescales with Dorset County Council and the possibility of a loading bay on Cobb Road at the entrance to the Hix Oyster and Fish House.

Also discussed was a ‘no stopping’ restriction between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday on the yellow School Keep Clear markings at Kingsway.

This suggestion comes after a poster campaign was set up by St Michael’s primary school, situated on Kingsway, in June last year to ‘guilt trip’ parents and to warn them of the dangers of illegal parking.

Lyme Regis neighbourhood beat manager, Kirsti Ball, welcomed the discussion of the no stopping restriction.

At the meeting, councillors agreed that the main requirement was to prevent people parking outside the school while picking up and dropping off children.

Cllr Terry O’Grady said the existing zigzag lines outside the school had never been adopted, and that enforcement of any waiting restrictions should be a ‘priority’.

Councillors recommended endorsing the proposed waiting restrictions in King’s Way, and requested that Dorset County Council reviews having a term-time order for the restriction, or at least to preclude August.

Recommendations from the committee were due to be heard by Full Council on August 6.