BUSINESSES in Northwood are furious after receiving leaflets proposing a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Northwood Hills.

The CPZ would stretch from the High Street in Northwood all the way through Northwood Hills to Eastcote.

The leaflet is intended to let residents have their say on whether they want controlled parking introduced in their street to restrict non-residential parking during the day.

But businesses say it will affect their trade. For businesses, a permit for parking nearby is likely to be limited to one per company on a first come first served basis, and will cost £120 per quarter.

Michael Carter, who owns Carter Chemist in the High Street, Northwood, said: "It is ridiculous. We have around ten staff here and we are having deliveries all day.

"It would be just an absolute nightmare. We have elderly people coming in to pick up prescriptions as well and the nearest parking spaces are about one-and-a-half miles away."

Paul Cook, from Alternatives Complimentary Therapy Centre in High Street, said: "I am a resident of the area and a business as well, and I think the idea is stupid.

"A couple of years ago they imposed one hour parking restrictions around here, and I would say I lost about 20 per cent of my retail trade then.

"I managed to survive last time, but this time I won't.

"The nearest car park is a good ten minute walk for a fit person, and that is always overcrowded anyway."

He added: "We are doing a petition and I have written to the ward councillors about it as well."

Philomena Bach, head of highways management at Hillingdon Council, said: "The leaflet recently distributed to homes in Northwood Hills enables residents to have their say on whether they want controlled parking introduced in their street to restrict non-residential parking during the day.

"Households are strongly urged to complete and return the questionnaire, whether they agree or disagree with the proposals.

"It is expected that some streets, particularly near the Underground station, will want controlled parking. Others may be against it.

"Any new scheme would operate in areas where residents, as a majority, want controlled parking."

January 30, 2003 09:30