LOCAL residents are being invited to have their say on parking and traffic problems in Ledbury after concerns on the issue have grown recently.

The call has come from the town council’s newly-formed Traffic Management Working Party, which is chaired by Cllr Phillip Howells.

He said: “We are seeking submissions from residents on any traffic management issues they would like to raise for the working party to consider.

“An example has been a request related to the important topic of car parking from the residents of Mabel’s Furlong, who have initiated a resident petition, to show the depth of support, to have a ‘No Access for Non-Residents’ sign erected at the road entrance.

“It is felt this would help solve the problem of non-residents using the already narrow roads with only one exit, as free car parking.

“This is making it increasingly difficult for residents to access and park and for services such as bin collection vehicles to access the roads, as well as becoming a safety issue.”

Parking has become a hot issue in Ledbury.

Last week, local businesswoman Rosemary Ford warned that parking rules need to be relaxed because fines being handed out by wardens are driving shoppers away from the town.

Other matters already being considered by councillors are the impact of known and potential new developments on traffic; railway station access and parking; and how footpaths and cycleways, including disabled access, relate to improving traffic management.

They are also looking at the problems with increasing traffic flows through Parkway, “posing more dangers to local residents, and speeding concerns.”

The working party welcomes applicants to join them, including non councillors, if they feel they have experience and skills to contribute, and especially if they have traffic management related expertise.

The aim is to compile a detailed report by the end of March. Submissions to the working party can be emailed to: phowells@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk. The deadline is the end of February.