A BUSINESSWOMAN says she is losing trade because customers can't get near to her shop because of parked cars.

And she claims St Helens Council are to blame.

For yellow lines, which were removed during re-surfacing work, have still not been replaced -three months later!

Lynne Powell, who runs V.I.P. Dry Cleaners in Station Street, Rainhill, says motorists have been taking advantage of the situation by parking along the street and in many cases, on the pavement itself.

She said: "This is happening every day. I could barely get into the shop myself one day last week because a car was parked so close. When I measured the distance it was no more than 12 inches. There is a very clear 'No Parking' sign nearby but they simply ignore it.

"A number of other businesses are based in Station Street and we are all suffering because customers come along, see that they can't get near the shops and just drive off. I have even had the police round but they told us their hands are tied because, although all the cars are illegally parked, the council have to put the lines back before the police can act.

"The question is how long will that take? The lines were taken up in November and they still haven't been replaced. I live in Rainhill pay community charges for both my home and business and this is what I and others are forced to put up with. It's a disgrace."

A spokesman for St Helens Council, said: "We are aware of the situation and will be sending out someone to place traffic cones along the road within the next couple of weeks to prevent cars from parking. The yellow lines will then be painted back on."

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