Council looks into parking near chemist
Fairfield Advance, 25 Apr 07

THE footpath outside Ware St's All Night Chemist has been turned into a car park where motorists park illegally after business hours.

Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo raised the issue at a council meeting on April 17, saying he had seen the cars parked illegally on many occasions.

"Residents have reported up to three cars parked on the footpath at the corner of Ware St and Harris St from 7pm, outside the late-night chemist,'' Cr Ngo said at the meeting.

"They claim this has occurred for many months and I've driven by on several evenings and can confirm two or three cars are parking on the paved footpath.''

It is unknown whether the cars belong to staff or customers of the All Night Chemist Fairfield.

Cr Ngo asked the council whether cars could park on other footpaths in Fairfield without attracting a fine.

Fairfield Councillor Lawrence White said: "In recent years there have been hold-ups and various other security issues at the chemist in question.

"The chemist is next to a dark laneway and I assume it's a safety issue.

"I believe that instead of simply fining the motorists, council needs to look at the wider issues surrounding the problem and providing a safer opportunity to trade late at night.''

Fairfield Mayor Nick Lalich said the council was not aware of illegal parking issues outside the Ware St chemist until Cr Ngo raised the issue.

"Council is now investigating the matter,'' he said.

A spokesman from All Night Chemist Fairfield was unavailable for comment before the Fairfield Advance's deadline yesterday.