HIGHWAY chiefs are offering a compromise solution to Congleton shopkeepers fighting a proposed parking ban.

Traders in Willow Street attracted a thousand names for a petition opposing moves to ban parking on both sides of the street.

They claim the ban would dramatically affect their businesses, which attract a large amount of passing trade.

However the borough council says the ban is vital to cut traffic congestion caused by parked cars.

The original proposal was to ban parking on the left side as you leave Congleton up to No.20 and on the right to No.11.

However concern from shopkeepers about the impact on trade of such a ban has prompted officers to suggest another option of a left-side ban to No.12 and right-side ban to No.7.

"Seven letters of objection and a 1,000-signature petition have been received,'' said highways officer Nigel Curtis.

"The general consensus is not in disagreement with the treatment of the site, but there was great concern the original proposals would have a severe detrimental effect on trade.''

Cheshire police had asked for the parking ban on road safety grounds, he added, and those opposing the parking ban acknowledged the need for action to tackle the traffic congestion at rush hour.

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