Residents and business owners in Seafield Road pledge to fight limited waiting proposal

MOVES to impose parking restrictions in Seaton’s Seafield Road have been condemned as “outrageous” by residents and business owners.

The town council wants limited waiting introduced there as part of its new traffic management plan, due to be drawn up soon.

But guest house owners in the area are furious at the idea and a nursing home boss says it could even put lives at risk.

Mayor Bob Palacio used his casting vote to back the call for waiting restrictions – suggested at last week’s meeting by town councillor John Meakin, who said a number of people had asked him to raise it.

He said the area was becoming clogged up with long-term parkers and that, in future, people should only be allowed to leave cars there for two hours, between 8am and 6pm.

But Councillor Graham Jones opposed any restrictions.

“A lot of people have no parking whatsoever – where do they put their cars?” he asked

Said Mr Meakin: “Orchard car park is the place – that’s where they should go.”

This week chamber of trade secretary Gaynor Sedgwick, who owns Homeleigh House B and B in Sea Hill, said she was appalled at the proposal.

She said it would hit her guests as well as local residents.

“It would infringe the right to park near our homes. I will be taking it further and speaking to the council,” she warned.

Kate Jackson who runs Seaswift House care home next door to her said it could have a serious affect on both her staff and her residents.

“It is a ridiculous idea and could put residents at risk,” she said.

“I think it would be terribly wrong.

“I can’t let the girls, who work here, move their car every hour or so because that could leave just one carer on the floor, which is illegal.

“I have 14 elderly residents, I keep my car nearby in case there is an emergency and I have to take someone to hospital.

“This makes you wonder what mad-brained scheme they are going to come up with next.”