HOMEOWNERS in one of the city's most exclusive squares cannot park outside their homes at times because of the 'chaotic' parking situation.

Cllr Jenny Barnes, who is calling for more to be done, has described 'fragmented' residents-only parking schemes in various parts of her ward, including St George's Square in Barbourne, Worcester.

The square is considered one of the most desirable locations in the city with red-brick grade II listed buildings from the 1840s set around an attractive green - but some residents are unhappy about the parking situation. 

Worcester News: SIGN: This sign at St George's Square in Barbourne which warns of parking restrictions SIGN: This sign at St George's Square in Barbourne which warns of parking restrictions (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Non-residents can stay for three hours in certain bays around the Square's perimeter and 45 minutes in other bays towards the centre.

Those with permits can park for as long as they like. Up to three permits can be issued per household - £30 for the first, £40 for the second and £60 for the third. 

Cllr Barnes wants to see a more joined-up approach between Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council over parking and is concerned about the pressure extra development may bring.

READ MORE: Meter mix-up means residents paying other people's bills

READ MORE: CityFibre post goes up but residents wanted 'more parking' 

The Labour and Co-operative councillor cited a planning application nearby at Barbourne Guest House in Barbourne Road, Worcester which involves the conversion and extension of two existing guest houses into 12 self-contained apartments as an example of potential pressures on parking.

The county council introduced residents' parking schemes in a number of on-street locations but permits are issued by Worcester City Council.

Cllr Barnes, who has been going door-to-door to gauge concerns, says some developers argue their housing schemes are car-free at the planning stage only for the residents (who later move into a finished development) to apply for parking permits, putting pressure on spaces which are already in high demand. 

"Residents are being affected all the time.

"I would ask the city and county to have that conversation and actually honour the car-free scheme and not give out permits.

"Developers also need to think more carefully about the reality of parking.

"There are times when residents in St George's Square find it difficult to park.

"The situation with parking is frustrating and stressful for residents," said Cllr Barnes.

One resident, 77, who did not wish to be named, said the parking in St George's Square could be 'chaotic' at times. "It's difficult to find a space," he said.

His wife, also 77, said: "Mondays are just appalling. I'm starting to feel a bit trapped. We only have one car."

Another resident said parking had improved since the introduction of residents-only parking but that builders' vans and skips were now filling some of the bays.

"I have had situations where I can't find a space. Quite a few residents have garages but not many people use them because they're too small for modern cars," she said.

Both Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council declined to comment because of the election.