Residents angered over yellow line plans

People living in a row of old miners cottages in Midsomer Norton are protesting against plans by Bath and North East Somerset Council to paint double yellow lines in the only streets that provide parking within a reasonable distance of their homes.

One resident claims he could lose his livelihood if the plans go ahead and he is unable to park near his home.

The planning regulations are being proposed in the wake of the new skate and adventure play park at Gullock Tyning, which is due to open in May.

B&NES says that the planned regulations are in direct response to feedback from residents during public consultation on the park. People have until tomorrow, April 30, to object to the regulations.

The miners cottages in Hope Terrace were built more than 100 years ago and residents park a few minutes walk away on roads where B&NES is now planning to enforce regulations.

While there are several small car parks nearby such as the Somer Community Centre or sports centre they are all about to have bollards or other restrictions placed on them.

B&NES is also about to impose restrictions on the South Road car park at night leaving 22 parking spaces which can be used by late-night visitors to the town and residents living at The Island.

Resident James Ratcliff said: "That leaves us with nowhere to park within about a 15-minute walk of our houses.

"All of this results from the building of a skate park which allegedly would not affect residents, but clearly residents are facing being driven out of the area, certainly in terms of being able to get anywhere near their homes with a vehicle."

Mr Ratcliff said the restrictions will not just affect residents in Hope Terrace but elsewhere.

He is also concerned that regulations could affect his job with Hinton Rescue since both he and his breakdown recovery truck are on call 24 hours a day.

He said: "If the proposed plans go ahead, many of us will be forced to sell our vehicles and those of us with company cars/vans will be forced to park our vehicles in areas that are likely to leave them vulnerable to attack.

"I already have to carry £2,000 worth of equipment to my house and back to my vehicle every time I come and go. Carrying it the extra distance is just not an option.

"I will be unable to carry on with my job so will be forced to leave as I won't be able to respond to call-outs within the time prescribed in my contract."

Mr Ratcliff added that some residents also used open fires, wood burners or solid fuel cookers and already had to walk a fair distance to carry their fuel.

He said he is not the only resident who could be faced with difficult choices.

Mr Ratcliff said: "The only other option is that we sell our homes. Unfortunately, many of us are in negative equity and with the prospect of the parking being taken away, chances are we wouldn't be able to sell our homes anyway."

A spokesman for B&NES said: "During the planning of the adventure play park and skate park and Gullock Tyning, residents in the vicinity of Gullock Tyning were asked in public meetings about what measures would improve the traffic situation in their street.

"Local people wanted a combination of traffic calming and yellow lines to reduce inconsiderate parking, particularly at junctions where visibility can be obscured.

"The Traffic Regulation Order is in direct response to this feedback. However, the proposal is not set in stone. Residents can respond to the consultation and give their view. Any objections will be duly considered by the council."