WORKERS who park inconsiderately in a residential part of Worcester have blighted the area according to the people living there.

Residents of Nunnery Lane, Hillery Road and Silverdale Avenue say their streets are overrun with cars left by employees of Halcrow, which is based in nearby London Road.

Spetchley Road has long suffered parking issues but Sue Parsons, of adjoining Nunnery Lane, said for the last six months workers have parked along one side of the narrow Nunnery Lane, reducing it to a single lane of traffic.

The problem is worsened because the road leads to Nunnery Wood School.

She said: "It's OK at quiet times but when it's the school times, it's absolutely gridlock. Not long ago a boy was knocked down in Spetchley Road."

She said: "I came back from work and I just couldn't get into the lane because there was a continuous row of traffic waiting to get into Spetchley Road.

"It's ridiculous."

Mrs Parsons said the cars block the view from driveways, forcing residents to reverse into oncoming traffic blindly.

David Ranford, of Hillery Road, said: "If the cars park close to the junction you can't see to get out into Spetchley Road. You have to go halfway across the road which is dangerous."

Both Mrs Parsons and Mr Ranford believe the cars belong to Halcrow staff because many display a company sticker.

"They are now considering lobbying for restricted parking along the road.

A Halcrow spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately like many local businesses, our site has limited parking for staff.

"However we can assure local residents that we regularly remind staff of the importance of behaving in a considerate and responsible way when parking on the public highway and highlight the impact they can have on the community."

She said Halcrow had won awards for sustainable travel initiatives and has a car share scheme, office travel plan, secure bike sheds, changing and shower facilities, a bike workshop, free bus tickets and pool cars.

She added: "We do recognise that not all our staff can park on site.

"We would like to apologise to residents who have been affected by any Halcrow staff who have not parked considerately on the public highway," she said.