Business shared relief as proposed parking plans withdrawn

Marie Hunter, owner of Copeland Fabric and Wool on Cleator Moor High Street has shared her thanks with Cumberland Council after they withdrew informal proposals for double yellow lines close to her store.

If granted by the council, the suggested plans would have seen a no waiting at any time restriction in the area where her business is located.

Ms. Hunter spoke of her relief at the council's U-turn on the proposals, and said: "Really and truly thank you for listening.

"The fact that they have listened, and that they have listened as quickly as they have, I appreciate that."

The proposals could have seen double yellow lines painted near the shop (Image: Google Earth)

If the plans had gone ahead, Ms. Hunter said: "We would have genuinely been having to relocate."

Ms. Hunter started a petition to call on the council to withdraw the proposals, sharing concern that many of her customers are elderly or disabled and may not be able to access the shop should the restrictions be put into effect.

"If you could have seen my customers' faces, they were so upset," she said.

Copeland Fabric and Wool regularly host craft workshops, which Ms. Hunter said "gives people an opportunity to get out of the house" which they might not otherwise have.

Marie Hunter has said a big "thank you" to the Council after proposals were withdrawn (Image: Marie Hunter)

"We’re really proud of the fact that we’ve got such a good community and it is really working brilliantly for people’s mental health and physical health," she said.

Ms. Hunter added she first heard of the proposed restrictions outside 74 and 75 High Street, when a letter dated March 27 2026 was shared with her by a neighbouring business just over a week before the end of the council's public informal consultation on the plans.

The letter stated the council's proposal to "replace an existing white 'H bar' marking" with double yellow lines.

They added their purpose was to "prevent obstructive parking around the access, and to maintain visibility and clearance."

Ms. Hunter stated that she received no direct communication from Cumberland Council regarding the plans, which she said meant her business could have been "forced to move" and called on them in future to "make sure that they notify everybody."

Copeland Fabric and Wool regularly hosts craft workshops for locals (Image: Marie Hunter)

On Tuesday April 14, Ms. Hunter was informed that the council had withdrawn the proposals near her shop.

Thirty minutes of free parking on Cleator Moor High Street remains in place, with three hours available for Blue Badge holders.

Asked about the withdrawn proposals, a Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “With regard to the proposal to introduce double yellow line restrictions on Cleator Moor High Street, Cumberland Council can confirm that the original proposals were shared with local residents and businesses as part of an informal consultation exercise.

“The proposals were brought forward following concerns raised at a local level and included replacing an existing section of white ‘H‑bar’ markings with double yellow lines, alongside a slight reduction in parking bay lengths to maintain safe access and visibility for emerging traffic.

“A number of objections were received, particularly in relation to the potential impact on parking provision for local businesses.

Copeland Fabric and Wool opened in 2024 (Image: Marie Hunter)

"The council would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback, which has been carefully considered as part of this process.

They added: “Following detailed discussion, a revised set of proposals has now been developed.

"These involve only a moderate extension of the existing restriction and a minor reduction in parking bay length, aiming to address safety concerns while minimising the impact on nearby businesses.

“These revised proposals will be formally advertised in the coming weeks, at which point members of the public will have a further opportunity to comment before a final decision is made.”