A MARCH county councillor claims some officer in an ivory tower is responsible for coming up with proposals to extend yellow lines throughout the town. Councillor Mike Ogden fears traders could lose business and life made more difficult for motorists lo

A MARCH county councillor claims "some officer in an ivory tower" is responsible for coming up with proposals to extend yellow lines throughout the town.

Councillor Mike Ogden fears traders could lose business and life made more difficult for motorists looking for short term parking.

Some of those upset by the proposals turned up at his monthly surgery in Acre Road on Saturday and he promised he would look into their complaints.

"I think a lot of people are worried that the county council will carry on extending these yellow lines even on top of the present plans," said Cllr Ogden.

"You have to ask how much longer this can continue, until perhaps there are even fewer places left to park. It is detrimental to the town."

Cllr Ogden said he planned to contact the county highways about the proposals- exclusively revealed in last week's Cambs Times- which could see parking restrictions extended in City Road, County Road, Creek Road, George Street, Norwood Road and Wisbech Road.

"People's concern is genuine," he said. "I agree with many of the complainants. I think the proposals are the net result of some officer in an ivory tower thinking 'I can do a bit here and a bit there' without thinking through the implications."

He added: "People drawing up these proposals are out of touch- they probably all live in Cambridge. I don't know where they come from- officers come and go very quickly these days."

Cllr Ogden added: "Sometimes when you can't park in town you park on the fringes, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays which are market days. People only stay a while and are gone again- if these yellow lines are extended it will make it much more difficult for them."

A council spokesman confirmed that the scheme is out for consultation and delegated powers would only be used if there were no objections. If there were objections then the matter could be resolved by the area transport committee.