By Victoria Raimes

Last updated 12:01, Monday, 07 July 2008

Frustrated traders in Carlisle have handed a 3,000-signature petition to the city council calling for dangerous parking along Stanwix Bank to be stopped.

Campaign: The petition is handed over Carlisle Friday 4.7.2008.The managers of the Frying Pan Fish and Chip shop Paul and Kathleen Renucci hand over the Stanwix Bank Lay-by Extension petition to the Councillor for Stanwix Urban Liz Mallinson.

The lengthy petition concerning the troublesome lay-by outside the parade of restaurants, takeaways and shops on Stanwix Bank was handed to councillor Elizabeth Mallinson.

Campaigning businessmen, who own the shops, say the problem has led to less custom and is endangering lives.

Paul Renucci, manager of the Frying Pan, said: “The lay-by is currently very confusing because there are no waiting or loading and unloading signs and the lines on the road aren’t clear. This means cars are parking willy nilly along the road for as long as they like and taxis don’t have anywhere to wait.

“We have been told by the council that there is a 20-minute maximum stay, but it doesn’t say this anywhere. This needs to change. It is especially becoming a problem now that many businesses are opening at night. The volume of cars using the small lay-by is so great it can’t handle it.”

Mr Renucci also pointed out that there is a huge danger as cars on the opposite side of the road dash across the four-lane strip to reach the parking bay.

He said: “There needs to be some changes for people on the opposite side of the road. There is no pelican crossing so people zoom across and hope for the best. We need a bridge and a zebra crossing going across if it is to be safe for pedestrians and drivers.”

Mrs Mallinson will now pass the petition to the county council. She said: “My next step is to take it to the county council where it will be discussed by the Carlisle Area Committee. They will decide what feasibly can be done.

“Traders want clarity about the use of the lay-by. At the moment there are faded double yellow lines and the signs at the bay are not clear. The residents are looking for 20-minute or half an hour parking time restrictions and for the lay-by to be extended.”

Ivano Gonnella, owner of the Frying Pan, will attend the next Stanwix neighbourhood forum meeting on July 16.