FRUSTRATED Kendal residents could be a step closer to trouble-free parking near or outside their homes in the New Year, reports Ellis Butcher.

They say an array of parking restrictions particularly one-hour only parking at weekends has made it almost impossible for them to find a parking space close to home. But now they are to be issued with questionnaires asking them what should be done to solve the problem - and have been told any solution could be in place around March.

Cumbria County Council said it would circulate the questionnaire in the Castle Street area of Kendal in January.

The issue came to a head when South Lakeland District Council traffic wardens began ticketing vehicles in Castle Street after it took control of the enforcement of on-street parking from the police last year.

At a special meeting in November, residents told the county council how difficult it had now become to find anywhere to park. They said the situation had been aggravated by the few available spaces being occupied by vehicles belonging to people working or shopping in Kendal town centre.

CCC's South Lakeland area support manager Stuart Pate has now said the council will review the enforcement of parking in Castle Street to see what needs to be done.

"If there is a strong feeling in support of changing restriction times and no related highways issues, I would hope that changes could be made to the Traffic Regulation Orders and any local double yellow lines or plates," said Mr Pate.

He said the next three months would involve analysing the results of the residents' responses. Engineers Capitadbs would then be instructed to look at the problem and, if action was considered necessary, approval would be sought from the county council's Local Committee to vary the Traffic Regulation Orders.

Mr Pate, who previously told residents that the county council could not "magic" extra spaces, said: "I hope that the Castle Street scheme should be straightforward and that we will be able to deliver a solution that meets residents' needs."

David Jeffrey, of Castle Street, who has received three parking tickets, said since the meeting he had sensed more understanding from traffic wardens. But he said the process to solve the problem which was particularly acute during holidays and at weekends - was "taking ages".

"I would like to see them get something done so we can park at weekends," said Mr Jeffrey.

January 3, 2003 12:00