SHOPKEEPERS and residents have won a two year battle to get a stop and shop scheme installed in Ickenham.
A report has finally been published into the feasibility of implementing such a scheme in Ickenham Village, after the issue was first raised with Hillingdon Council in February 2008.
Last July an agreement was made by the council to undertake a study, involving a consultation process with neighbours.
Shopkeepers have long felt aggrieved that commuters from outside the area would park their car in the parking spaces and pay to leave them there all day, in front of local shops, meaning a loss of business to traders, as customers had nowhere to park.
It will be implemented along Swakeleys Road and on the northern corner of Long Lane.
The scheme was supported by the Ickenham Traders Association and the Residents Association, and Hillingdon Council have decided to give the scheme the green light.
The stop and shop scheme will allow customers to pop by and park free for a limited amount of time, usually up to an hour. Parking all day will be prohibited.
Many shops in Ickenham parade are small independents who will benefit greatly from an increased footfall.
The scheme will cost around £60,000 for the council to implement.
There was not complete agreement from residents of Ickenham about it however, with many residents sending letters of objection, stating it was 'anti-commuter' and does not address the concerns over lack of facilities for commuter parking in the area.
How do you feel about the shop and stop plans? Is it a good thing? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk
