A row between residents and North Herts District Council over parking in Baldock town centre is still simmering despite councillors agreeing what they feel is a compromise. Five weeks ago the Comet published a story about how residents were angry over con

A row between residents and North Herts District Council over parking in Baldock town centre is still simmering despite councillors agreeing what they feel is a compromise.

Five weeks ago the Comet published a story about how residents were angry over controversial plans in the enhancement scheme to restrict them from parking outside their homes in favour of parking for shoppers.

Chris Sharp, 58, who lives in the High Street, immediately launched a petition accusing North Herts District Council (NHDC) of going back on its original proposals to give all residents parking permits in the enhancement plans.

Last week NHDC's Baldock area committee listened to both arguments from residents and businesses and decided that 25 parking bays will be issued to residents for use during the daytime.

Other bays will be allocated on a one and two hour basis to shoppers and visitors and the remainder will be unrestricted for use by commuters into Baldock. There will be no parking restrictions in the evenings or at weekends after 1pm on Saturdays.

"This is better than nothing but we are still not happy," said Mr Sharp.

"There are 41 people living in the town centre so how are these parking permits going to be issued? A lot of people are going to be left out and not happy.

"Nobody can understand why the council is taking this stand. They are so keen to give spaces to visitors to Baldock and listen to local businesses when they should listen to residents.

"Nobody visits Baldock, there is nothing here to visit, and very few businesses to attract people. If people come to Baldock they go to Tesco and then go home.

"Residents have made their feelings known and we will just have to swallow what the council has given us. But we are not happy."

Cllr Michael Muir, chairman of the Baldock committee, said: "I believe now we have reached the best compromise for all parties.

"The council is committed to its town centres as a key priority and I am sure the parking proposals will help residents, businesses and the future prosperity of Baldock."

NHDC's planning team will now arrange the necessary Traffic Regulation Order to implement the plans, a process which will take about two months.