Concern over loss of Honiton parking spaces

TWO on-street parking spaces could be lost at the west end of High Street, Honiton, if Devon County Council proposals are rubber stamped.

TWO on-street parking spaces could be lost at the west end of High Street, Honiton, if Devon County Council proposals are rubber stamped.

Businessman Terry Farebrother, of Liquid Assets, has objected to the proposal, saying: "Whilst I appreciate that there is sometimes a 'pinch-point' at this site, the council is not addressing the reasons as to why this happens."

Mr Farebrother says, while most of High Street is subject to a weight limit, lorries using the west end can weigh in excess of 30 tonnes.

"When these vehicles meet, you get a 'pinch-point'," he said.

"This is caused by the rat run from the M5 at Cullompton, with lorries using the A373 to the junction at Dowell Street and then linking up with the A30 at Turks Head, and vice versa."

Mr Farebrother is concerned the route is still shown on commercial sat navs, meaning notices on the M5, advising lorry drivers not to use the A373, are "having no effect".

He said: "with the latest increase in business rates, and the possible increase in the hourly rate at council car parks, this is not a good time to be taking away valuable parking areas in this part of high Street - especially with plans being passed for a new Aldi and a Lidl store out of town at the western end with their free car parks."

Since 2003, eight retail outlets have closed in the western end of High Street.

Three were subsequently converted into dwellings and two have since re-opened as non-retail businesses.

The deadline for objections to the proposal is January 20.