Parking problems for Clunes shops

CLUNES business owners are worried plans to build traffic-slowing devices in the village will affect business and will go against the safety of residents.

Jared Nixon, the General Store owner's son, and Andrew Baguley, owner of Clunes Cafe, are not happy about the proposed island and crossing in front of their shops. Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

CLUNES business owners are worried plans to build traffic-slowing devices in the village will affect business and will go against the safety of residents.

Intersected by Bangalow Rd, between Lismore and Bangalow, Clunes used to have a speed camera that ensured drivers respected the 50kmh speed limit.

Bangalow Rd is administered by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

RMS and Lismore City Council started a consultation process with Clunes residents regarding a proposed crossing island in the village.

Andrew Baguley, owner of the Clunes Cafe, and Jared Dixon, son of the owners of Clunes General Store, met RMS and council representatives on Tuesday, and are not happy about what they heard.

"They want to put in 45-degree parking across the road, and also a second passing lane for the cars parking, plus an island in the middle of the road, but not a proper crossing," Mr Baguley said.

The planned parking was to be built on the park area adjacent to the current bus stop, and was to include the removal of the old stone wall surrounding the Clunes park, according to Mr Baguley.

The proposed island in front of the Clunes General Store has been marked by council workers already on the road.

"I asked why didn't they put the same parking and extra lane at this side so people don't have to cross to go to shops, but they said that would cost too much money," he said.

Mr Dixon said that "we are not against safety for the locals, but an island without a proper crossing will not be safer for people crossing the street every day, and it will not ensure people do not speed while driving through Clunes".

RMS and council representatives argued that the new infrastructure was to avoid illegal U-turns and ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the road, according to Mr Baguley.

Asked about the issue, an RMS representative confirmed that "there have been two meetings with the community, local council and RMS in recent weeks. A further community meeting will be held in coming weeks".

The spokeswoman added that the design for the proposed pedestrian refuge takes into account community feedback, results from council and RMS pedestrian "and traffic surveys and results from a recent RMS road safety review".

"Pedestrian safety is a priority for RMS in an area where surveys show high pedestrian activity," she added.

Originally published as Parking problems for Clunes shops