Commuters parking in residents' spaces in Cannock
Fed-up residents in a Cannock street have hit out at inconsiderate shoppers and commuters who, they claim, regularly park outside their homes.
Some householders say they are forced to leave their cars up to a quarter-of-a-mile from their properties because of the daily scramble for parking spaces. Now, neighbours in Newhall Street, near Cannock town centre, have formed a campaign group which is being backed by County Councillor Pat Corfield, who says people's lives are being blighted.
There is a call for residents' parking bays to be installed after putting up with years of misery. Sales adviser Kathryn Robinson said the problem existed 13 years ago when she moved into the street and has got steadily worse.
Councillor Corfield attended a meeting with highways officers at her home last week to thrash out a solution.
Infuriating
Mrs Robinson, aged 43, said: "I don't think motorists realise how infuriating it is when they park in front of our houses or block our drives.
"God forbid that there is ever an emergency when we need to get out because it could mean the difference between life and death.
"There are certain individuals whose cars are there every day who won't pay to park in Cannock.
"We have put messages on Facebook appealing to them but they are so defiant and blase about what they are doing."
Householders have formed the Newhall Street Parking Action Group. Mrs Robinson said alternative parking in Victoria Street was limited to two hours which meant residents had to continually move their cars.
Councillor Corfield, who lives in Cannock, said: "These residents' lives are being blighted by this problem. They can't get on to their drives to unload shopping because there's nowhere for them to pull in."
The councillor has promised to take the matter to the joint parking committee of the county and district councils.
