Anger over commuters leaving cars in street

LIBERAL councillors claim tempers are reaching boiling point among residents of a Kidderminster street besieged by commuters parking outside their homes.

Councillors Siri Hayward and Mike and Fran Oborski have accused the police of failing to enforce the access-only order in Farfield.

They are warning that direct action and protests are likely by angry residents if the matter is not resolved and are raising the issue with the police as a matter of urgency.

In a joint statement, the group said: "Many local residents are very angry and extremely frustrated by continuing commuter parking as people dump their cars in Farfield and then head to the nearby railway station.

"This is a narrow and heavily used residential road and residents are sick and tired at not being able to park outside their own houses and at the inconsiderate and sometimes even rude and obstructive behaviour of commuters who use the road as if it were a public car park."

They claimed the access-only order was being flouted because the police "cannot be bothered to enforce it".

They added: "We would not be surprised if there was some sort of protest or direct action by angry residents if the matter is not resolved and, to be honest, the residents would have our full support. They really have had to put up with far too much hassle and inconvenience.

"The police say that they have not got the resources to enforce the access-only order but, frankly, they would be far better putting a little effort into sorting the matter now, rather than waiting until the situation gets totally out of control and then having to put in a lot more effort in to resolve the issues."

Wyre Forest East beat officer, PC Bob Fearnall, said police were aware some motorists were committing an offence by continuing to use Farfield as a rat-run, despite the access only order.

"We objected to the order when it was first proposed and offered alternatives as we did not feel it was the right solution for the road.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and would be happy to meet with the councillors if they continue to have concerns," he added.