Residents urge SIC to think again over parking

Residents close to the proposed Anderson High School at the Clickimin are fighting to have parking spaces lost to a new road layout replaced.

Eighty-four people are petitioning the council urging officials to think again following a decision not to replace 17 parking spaces due to be sacrificed to accommodate a roundabout planned for North Lochside.

Proposals for the replacement spaces, behind Bruce Crescent, were withdrawn after concerns were raised about the possible loss of amenity.

But nearby resident, Wilma Powis, says parking is badly needed to prevent a bottleneck of cars owned by residents in North Lochside, Bruce Crescent and Haldane Burgess Crescent.

Mrs Powis, who stays opposite to where the roundabout is planned, said consideration needed to be given to the elderly, young and disabled.

“When the North Lochside road is opened up for the new roundabout, all the parking spaces will be lost. This area is regularly used for parking day and night by about 14 cars.

“Most of the houses in North Lochside were told they could not have drives as they were too near a blind corner.

“We have double yellow lines outside our gates, cars from Bruce Crescent have to park here, and already the overspill of cars is trying to park in Haldane Burgess Crescent.

“This is a problem that needs to be addressed at this time.

“When building starts on the new school and halls of residence, North Lochside Road will be so busy with traffic. Also, crossings should be considered here, as we are trying to think of the needs of disabled, elderly and young.

“This is not just for us, but for future generations. A replacement car park is definitely needed.”

Full report in Friday’s Shetland Times.