A Salford food truck which has been serving customers for three decades, will be able to continue trading despite new parking restrictions.
Lenny Leigh, the owner of Tram Stop Cafe, was at risk of being forced off his 34-year pitch on Dakota Avenue after the council put together plans to bring in a parking ban on part of the street.
The initial issue was brought to the council’s attention by business NuPharm, a subsidiary of Phoenix Medical Supplies Ltd, who operate from a plot on the same road.
The business had reported safety issues caused by ‘indiscriminate’ parking from commuters lining the streets outside.
At a meeting of the lead member briefing for planning, transport and sustainable development, Salford councillors agreed to bring in a compromise allowing Mr Leigh to continue trading, whilst bringing in parking restrictions to curb inconsiderate parking.
He said: “As long as I can stay (on Dakota Avenue) I will be very happy, that would be fantastic for me. Staying keeps my business open and it keeps me in a job.
“We have been there for 34 years and I’ve invested heavily in a new trailer, so I’m just happy to be able to stay and keep trading.”
The compromise involves easing the parking restrictions to accommodate the Tram Stop Café by removing a short section (18 meters) of the ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ restrictions on the south side of Dakota Avenue. This allows the café’s food truck to stay on Dakota Avenue, approximately 40 meters east of its current spot, although the space won’t be exclusively reserved for it.
NuPharm, the medical supply company who made the parking restriction request were also pleased with the compromise.
Mr. Davenport, a Nupharm employee, said: “We have no issues with the catering vehicle, I know he has been here for 34 years and we don’t want to see him out of business.
“A compromise that addresses our parking issues and keeps him in business that would be beneficial for all.
“The issue is that we import and supply medications for the NHS, some of these are life saving meds and it is extremely difficult when we can’t access or exit our premises
“We are not in dispute with Mr. Leigh and his catering vehicle, many business’s including our own use it. Its the pedestrian parking that is the issue.”
Another employee of NuPham, Mr. Ritsen added ” The compromise suggested will work for everyone, we’d all be happy with that.”
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