Neighbourhood disputes on council estates over car parking revealed
A CAMPAIGN to get car parking facilities increased on Rotherham council estates has been launched – amid concerns that disputes are causing anti-social behaviour and prospective tenants are looking elsewhere.
Cllr Michael Bennett-Sylvester has previously claimed success for bringing changes to Rothercare, play provision and access to Thrybergh Country Park.
Now he has focused on parking on council estates – many dating from an era where car ownership among council tenants was virtually non-existent.
Today, families frequently have several cars – but often nowhere to park, and Cllr Bennett-Sylvester said that was leading to problems.
“I’m seeing neighbour disputes as a result of parking problems leading often to other anti-social behaviour, I’m hearing of streets being avoided by prospective tenants due to a lack of parking leading to them being left behind and a number of older and disabled tenants have contacted me stating how this limits their lives,” he said.
The council dealt with 49 anti-social behaviour cases last year – almost one a week – classed as vehicle-linked, including some parking disputes.
Cllr Bennett-Sylvester wants to see the council install more drives or parking facilities for motorists who use grass verges, churning them up.
The issue was first raised when rent increases were settled, in January, where he called for more investment in drives at council-owned homes.
He raised more questions at a full council meeting.
“I’ve tabled questions on this issue before alongside others but have learned over the last few years that you need to focus and drill down on an issue especially with the scrutiny limitations we have.
“The Labour cabinet member inferred at January’s budget meeting that the council wouldn’t look to provide too much extra off-street parking to protect green spaces, on many estates that ship has sailed with brown being the new green on many streets.”
The council say they use preventative measures where possible, such as installing bollards on verges – and creating new parking areas.
They also have ‘significant’ numbers of garages for rent.
Council executive director for housing, Ian Spicer, said: “Our housing and highways teams deal with parking issues and will work with the police where appropriate.
“Where necessary, the council may take enforcement action.”
Three prospective tenants are known to have rejected homes over parking constraints, but there may be more.