East Preston grandfather calls for action over parking hazard

Nicolas Myer, of Fincham Close, is forced to use a wheelchair after both his legs were amputated due to a medical condition, about three years ago.

However, the 85-year-old grandfather-of-five said that, in the past few months, he has become increasingly concerned at the number of people parking in front of dropped kerbs, along the pedestrian walkway, in Fairlands.

Nicolas said: “It’s a serious hazard for people in my situation.

“I have difficulty finding suitable crossing points as it is but when senseless people park in front of the dropped kerbs – which are my only way of crossing the roads, safely – it leaves me effectively stranded.”

Congestion

Other villagers have also voiced their concerns about the road, which they claim is a centre for congestion in East Preston.

Joy Lath and Elizabeth Walters, both 81, of Fairlands, added their fears about the road’s condition, claiming that, at times, it can become so heavily congested with parked cars, next to the two bus stops, that people like Nicolas can’t safely make their way across, even when the dropped kerbs are clear.

Elizabeth said: “It’s totally outrageous.

“I have had to help one poor woman in a wheelchair to cross the road, because she couldn’t see over all the parked cars.

“Nicolas, and others in his situation, have a right to safely cross the road and something must be done about this.”

Simon Cross, clerk for East Preston Parish Council, said that the parish council was aware of the situation and that it was in talks with the county council to see how the issue could be rectified.

Nicolas is now urging the county council to paint white markers on the road, indicating where the dropped kerbs are, in a bid to deter drivers from parking in front of them.

Council

A spokesman for the county council said the authority would be willing to talk to Mr Myer and other residents about their concerns.

The spokesman added that white lines were placed, free of charge, for pedestrian crossing points, on request, but that if the land on which the dropped kerbs were situated was privately owned, there would be a fee to install the markings.

However, the spokesman could not confirm whether the county council was considering marking sections of road, in Fairlands.