Firm bids to keep 'Kwik fix' barrier (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Firm bids to keep 'Kwik fix' barrier

7:20am Friday 4th January 2013 in News By William Tomaney

KWIK Fit bosses have applied for retrospective planning permission to retain a controversial concrete fence built to stop drivers using the Kidderminster centre’s car park as a shortcut.

They want the barrier to stay up on the route between Blackwell Street and Churchfields, next to the Peacock Inn – despite complaints from neighbouring traders saying it is responsible for putting pedestrians’ lives and their properties at risk.

A planning application has been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council and a decision is likely to be made by the planning committee within the next three months.

The road is not a public right of way but has regularly been used by emergency services and lorry drivers unloading for Blackwell Street shops to cut through instead of reversing out of the road.

Members of the public and taxis, however, have also used it and in November a Kwik Fit spokesman said motorists caused an “unnecessary risk” to its customers so bosses had erected the barrier during a refurbishment of the motor repair centre.

Kim Guest, who owns K&N Cheque Cashers on Dudley Street told The Shuttle at the time her shop sign had been knocked down twice and she feared a vehicle would smash through her front window.

The Kwik Fit spokesman added: “Our advice led us to believe changes would not require planning permission.”

The district council confirmed permission should have been applied for and the application was submitted by the motor repair centre last month.