OFFICE workers may have trouble finding a parking space when builders start work on a major town centre development.

Up to 40 free parking spaces, which are mainly used by the town's office and shop workers, will be lost when a new shopping street is built next year.

Solution

But on Thursday planning officer Hugh Smith said Macclesfield Borough Council might not be able to compensate for the loss of parking in the Royal George Yard.

"It is a matter that is still under discussion with the developer," he said. "The development provides parking for residents and workers but that will not cover lost spaces or parking for shoppers. It is a delicate issue in Knutsford and we hope to find a solution through the planning conditions.

"But it is worth bearing in mind that the developer could have closed off the yard as soon as he bought it, instead of allowing the public to use it for free."

Yesterday (Tuesday) morning there were 27 cars parked behind the former Royal George Hotel, with room for about 10 more.

Office worker Sara Sharpe, who was parking in the cobbled yard as a reporter walked past, said she had no idea where she would leave her car when builders move on to the site early next year.

"I've been parking here for months because it's free," she said. "I can't afford to be paying out for full day parking five days a week. I'll have to find somewhere else that's cheap but even the streets seem to have restrictions on them. I think the development will be a good thing for the town, but really Knutsford needs more car parks before it has more shops."

But another driver said he would rather have the development, which includes offices, restraints and shops linking King Street and Princess Street, than free parking.

"I only use it for about an hour once a week and sometimes I use a pay and display car park," he said. "We need to get more people coming into town and I think it will look great when it is finished.

"Let's face it, it can't get any worse than the state it's in now. Progress always comes at a price - this time it's parking."

Macclesfield planning officers are currently drawing up a list of conditions that developer Philip Hughes must comply with.

It is believed he will be asked to contribute towards providing a car park on the Silk Mill Street outdoor market site.

Mr Hughes was unavailable for comment yesterday.