Hallam centre in parking peril

By Lia Bichel
A LACK of parking at Hallam Community Learning Centre is posing a threat to patrons’ safety, according to manager Dianne Wilson.
About 450 people frequent the centre each week and because there are only eight parking spots, cars are lined bumper-to-bumper outside.
Ms Wilson said the busy street was dangerous to people who attended the centre and she was concerned it would create chaos for fire trucks and ambulances attending an emergency situation.
“We cater for up to about 80 families at our centre and they have to unload tots from their cars, or get the prams out,” she said.
“Disability groups also use the centre and need to unload wheelchairs. It’s squishy and awkward on the busy street and dangerous. I would hate to see a fire truck try to get through.”
Eleven staff members work at the centre, with five or six people working each day.
Ms Wilson said staff opted to park on the road to leave the eight spaces open for patrons, but even staff found that it was difficult to find a car spot on the street some days.
Ms Wilson has spoken to council in the past about the problem parking lot, but decided it would be more effective to submit a petition.
“I didn’t want to wait until something horrible happened, like a toddler hit by a car,” she said.
Ms Wilson gathered 23 signatures last Tuesday before the council meeting, but said there were 10 times more people who were concerned about the lack of parking.
“We could have had 200 more people sign it if I would have had more time, but I wanted to submit it to council that night,” she said.
“I want them to take it seriously. I am hoping for some positive feedback.”
River Gum ward councillor Lynette Keleher submitted the petition to council and said she hoped a cost-effective agreement could be reached.
City of Casey manager transport Paul Hamilton said council officers were currently investigating the concerns and would report the outcomes to a council meeting in the near future.