CIVIC campaigners and highway bosses have clashed over parking outside Rawtenstall’s new health hub.

Protesters from Rossendale Civic Society claim new waiting restrictions in Fallbarn Road and Bacup Road, drawn up because of the new health centre, will hamper activities at their Weavers’ Cottage headquarters opposite.

Parking restricions are being introduced around the car park, close to the health centre, and another car park on the north side of Bacup Road.

Civic society members say they would have asked for an un-loading facility outside their off-ices if they had known the extent of the Lancashire County Council proposals.

And now they are looking to secure special permits, by agree-ment with the health centre’s management, to allow parking for their members and visitors.

Kathy Fishwick, of the Civic Trust, said: “Why on earth do these people think that they can just cut a business off?

“Things have definitely changed since the planning application was decided on this, which we have not been notified about.”

The society also raised concerns about disabled parking provisions.

The highways authority said blue badge holders have abused restrictions elsewhere in the Valley, prompting the ‘no waiting’ move.

Eleven disabled bays have been provided at the centre.

Council environment director Jo Turton said in a report: “The restrictions are required to protect the junction of Bacup Road with Fallbarn Road, in order to increase highway safety by removing the potential to park thereby improving sight lines.

“And it seeks to ensure access to the medical centre at all times by introducing no loading or unlo-ading restrictions.

“It also seeks to remove the potential to park in order to improve sight lines for traffic joining Bacup Road from the car park on the north side, thereby increasing highway safety at this junction.”

In a letter to the county council, the Trust said the restrictions would hamper promoting tourism and community work.

The restriction scheme will cost £1,985.