Residents' Relief as Council Finally Draws a Line Under Parking Misery

Residents are hopeful of an end to years of parking misery after it was confirmed that parking restrictions will be introduced along a street plagued by parking overspill from the University of Bedfordshire's Polhill Campus in Bedford.

Student parking along Thurlestone Close has increased in recent times following the university's decision to impose charges for on site parking and the introduction of new yellow lines elsewhere in the Devon Park area. Residents have reported numerous instances of being blocked in on their own driveways and refuse lorries unable to get in and out of the cul-de-sac. Now, however, following a long campaign by Liberal Democrat Councillor for De Parys Ward David Sawyer and the submission of a residents' petition, Bedford Borough Council has agreed to install yellow lines along one side of the street.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Sawyer said: "The introduction of these parking restrictions will come not a moment too soon. With the university so close by and no restrictions in place, the residents of Thurlestone Close have had to contend with parking misery. Action should have been taken much sooner but, sadly, the Conservative County Council was deaf to the pleas of local residents for help.'

"Now that the Borough Council has taken over from as the local Highways Authority, I have obtained a commitment that it will pay more attention to residents' needs and concerns than was the case under the County Council."