Traffic on Cherry Orchard

Controversial plans to introduce new parking restrictions outside three Lichfield primary schools have been shelved.

Traffic on Cherry Orchard
Traffic on Cherry Orchard

Cllr Terry Finn, Conservative representative for Lichfield South at Staffordshire County Council, had called for changes to restrict parking on Cherry Orchard.

But his proposals drew criticism from parents, residents and staff at Five Spires Academy, St Joseph’s Primary School and St Michael’s Primary School.

The heads of the three schools co-signed a letter warning that the changes would impact on safety and learning for children.

A letter to residents from Staffordshire County Council said revised proposals would see no change to the parking bays outside the school.

“We received a large number of responses from residents regarding the proposed alteration to and creation of additional parking restrictions in connection with the new school on Cherry Orchard,” the letter said.

“After closeley analysing all the responses and discussing further with Cllr Finn, we have made a number of alterations to the initial proposal which we think effectively reflects the issues and concerns raised by residents.”

The new proposals will target commuters leaving their vehicles on residential streets for the day:

  • No waiting from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Oakhurst, Hazel Grove and the lower end of Cherry Orchard.
  • Limited one hour waiting with no return within one hour from 8am to 4pm on lower end of Cherry Orchard.
  • Limited three hour waiting with no return within two hours on Station Road between 8am and 4pm.
  • Limited two hour waiting with no return within two hours on Wiltell Road.
  • No waiting at any time on Hazel Grove and a small section around the junction between Sturgeons Hill and Southern Cross.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

7 Comments
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Ken
7 years ago

The County Council actually listened? Well I never. Bodes well for the library petition perhaps?

Mat
7 years ago

Well done to all those who saw democracy as more than a tick in a box. I’m so pleased that the community voice was heard and listened to. Long Live the Revolution!

Bob Smith
7 years ago

Until the three Councils ‘ruling’ Lichfield District’ construct a meaningful Parking Strategy for Lichfield City, that includes ALL local interest groups, these parking disputes will keep being controversial. There has just been an ineffective parking consultation held by Lichfield District Council dealing with only one issue, we do need all of our councillors to understand the parking issues. It is good to see the County Councillors reflecting the electorate views but this has not resolved the parking problem, it has just put it on the ‘back burner’ until the next time.

Jason Wynn
7 years ago

Nonsense that it’s ever an issue. Who in their right mind would put three primary schools next to each other? Why should the residents of the area have to contend with a school with a catchment area several miles away? This will not solve the problem it will simply move it from someone’s doorstep to someone else’s. Provide the parking not restrict it. If there was ample for thought on design, infrastructure, and thoroughfare this would never be an issue.

StJoesDad
7 years ago

Terry Finn’s pie in the sky plan seen for what it is; a bloody joke. Another example of an elderly Tory councillor out of touch with modern world issues. Wasn’t like his day when people dropped their kids off by horse and cart.

The previous commenter hits the nail on the head. The council allowed the centrally located schools where parents can only drive, particularly given the fact two are faith based schools so have a wider catchment area, without any thought about the logistics. Now they seem surprised there is an issue with car numbers. Lichfield city centre didnt need new schools; the Lego towns on the outskirts did.

Perhaps stopping the HGVs using the road might be an idea too.

StJoesDad
7 years ago

Oh and will the council also stop the ice cream van who takes up a space and delays others leaving their spaces too?

AgitatorofPeople
7 years ago

Leave the Ice Cream van alone!!