City traders oppose plans to fit bike frames outside shops

Workmen were embroiled in a row when they tried to start work on the project in Claypath, Durham City.

Traders said they knew nothing of the plans by Durham County Council, and that the frames would take up space in their loading bays.

The workmen left without completing the job, but the traders said that if the frames were installed they would be removed.

Tony Martin, who runs the Durham Cobbler, and has received wide publicity for his anti-council campaigning, said: "If they put these things down we'll take them up even if we get arrested.

"We are fighting for our livelihoods. It is ridiculous. They are putting these parking bays in the area marked for loading.

"It was bad enough when they put down yellow lines in Claypath. It seems like they are trying to close the traders down.''

Lesley Broughton, of the Claypath Copy Centre, said: "They should have notified us. They should have consulted us.

"If they go ahead with this we will not be able to take any deliveries of paper. We took these shops because we could get access to them.

"The workmen went away and apparently the council is going to send us letters telling us what is going to happen. It might get railroaded through but at least we'll get our say.''

A Durham County Council spokesman said the frames were planned as part of the second of three phases of widely-publicised parking restrictions being introduced across the city.

"They were requested by the public following the consultation process that included an exhibition in the Town Hall.

"The precise location of the frames was included in the traffic order advertised in the Press and on site so it shouldn't have come as a surprise. Three shops are affected.

"However, we realise not every busy business person has time to pick these things up.

"We have stopped what we are doing and are writing to them saying exactly what we are planning. They can make comments and we'll take it from there.''