AN ANGRY reaction from villagers may lead to Flintshire Council performing a U-turn on a section of yellow lines.

Parking restrictions were first placed on Hawarden Road in Penyffordd at the beginning of June after discussions about their introduction went on for over a year.

But just several weeks later, a number of residents turned up at the monthly community council meeting to voice their disapproval with the new system.

That protest has now led to the possibility of Flintshire Council reversing the decision.

Following the community council meeting on July 10, Graham Yates, a Penyffordd resident who was among those to speak out on the issue, said: “They (Penyffordd Community Council) have changed their tune a bit on the situation by saying that the yellow lines shouldn’t be in the lay-by (outside SPAR on Hawarden Road). The lines were put in a few weeks ago but now they’re looking into removing them.”

At the meeting, councillors explained to unhappy residents that it was a Flintshire Council decision to install the double yellow lines.

The independent councillor for the area, Cllr David Williams, said: “The yellow lines went in on the instruction of Flintshire Highways officers.

“This decision came because of the thoughtless, inconsiderate, and sometimes simply lazy motorists who made the lives of local residents a misery.

“They also caused a number of safety issues which brought about a number of complaints from unhappy people in the area and even forced Arriva to change their route and stop going on Hawarden Road.

“However, the yellow lines on the lay by are expected (but not confirmed) to be removed from the road.”

A spokesman for SPAR said: “As a key part of the local communities we serve, SPAR UK is always keen to help customers access our stores while maintaining the flow of traffic.

“With regards to the restrictions around the Penyffordd store, we would welcome a review of the current arrangement from the local council to help local residents visit the location.”

A Flintshire Council spokesman said: “Flintshire County Council recently implemented a scheme on Hawarden Road in Penyffordd, which has seen the introduction of yellow lines in front of the SPAR shop and neighbouring properties.

“The scheme has been developed in collaboration with elected ward members, Penyffordd Community Council and local residents, and was introduced in response to concerns raised by the local community in relation to safety and parking issues in the vicinity of the SPAR shop.

“Whilst the existing scheme was developed as a result of a detailed consultation exercise with the local community, the county council has subsequently been made aware of a number of additional concerns relating to the restrictions.

“As such, the council has committed to work with the local community in order to explore alternative scheme options to ensure the continued safety of road users.”

The uproar comes not long after plans for a new 4,000 square foot Co-op store on Hawarden Road were approved by Flintshire Council despite concerns about traffic and road safety.