Graham Stuart MP, accompanied by East Riding Councillor David Elvidge, heard first hand from thirty residents of Priory Road in Beverley and surrounding streets what it has been like to live close to the Flemingate development construction site.
Becks Farr, who lives in Priory Road saidl;
“The parking situation has gone from terrible to intolerable in the space of weeks. Despite assurances made to the planning committee, Wilmott Dixon and Wykelands have failed to provide adequate parking for their construction workers and have made no attempt to address the issue.”
“Another major concern shared by all residents is that neither fire engines nor ambulances would be able to access these streets under the parking mayhem.”
“Noise and stress have become the norm and everyday living has become a nightmare. Building debris, paints and general rubbish is being dumped on pavements or deliberately strewn on once immaculate gardens.
“Several residents were granted permission to have kerbs dropped to enable parking directly in front of their properties, but days later these permissions were rescinded with no proper explanation provided by the Council.”
Steve Reed of Birchwood Garage on Priory Road said;
“I can’t get customers in and out of the garage, especially if it’s Transit vans or motor homes – the only way is if the customer comes before 7.30am when the construction traffic arrives, and after 6.30pm when they go.”
“For six weeks I had construction workers parking in my garage car park and they often refused to move.”
“The other morning there was a car parked across the junction. I’ve put up with the parking mayhem long enough.”
“Wykeland and the Council should have thought of the parking problems before construction started, and it seems to have been totally overlooked.”
Following the meeting Councillor David Elvidge said;
“The residents have had to put up with a lot, and have done so with resignation until recently. I will be doing what I can to make sure life improves for them and will take up their complaints against the Council on their behalf.”
“The Council will implement a controlled parking zone but given that a consultation has to take place first it’s unlikely to be in operation until May next year.”
Graham Stuart MP said;
“At the meeting I heard the anger and frustration from residents at mud, dust, noise and general disruption which has made life unbearable.”
“The residents are generally a tolerant bunch but they’ve been pushed over the edge. They told me the bins haven’t been emptied on occasion, carers have struggled to get down the road to look after the elderly, and the GP couldn’t park.”
“I have made sure Council officers hear these very real concerns as actions need to be taken so residents can get back to normal life. The Council also needs to make sure it listens to the very real concerns of residents when making future changes to parking and one-way streets.”
