19 September 2025 Residents
have voiced their concerns to LRA Cllr Chidi Nweke about vehicles
obstructing junctions at the intersections off Colson Road. This
troubling situation has arisen due to the absence of yellow or red
lines to safeguard these critical junctions. Recognizing
this issue, Cllr Nweke organized a meeting with key officials from
North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) who oversee parking enforcement.
This gathering also included LRA Cllr Rackham and Independent Cllr
Stephen Murray, with the primary objective of exploring viable
solutions to the parking dilemmas plaguing the area, which have become
a source of worry for many residents. During
the meeting, current enforcement strategies aimed at managing parking
more effectively were evaluated, alongside considerations for future
proposals. NEPP representatives emphasized that while there is no
inherent right to park on any road, a thoughtful approach to parking
management is essential. The
NEPP officers informed the Cllrs that immediate actions are limited
regarding the dangerous parking observed, as there is currently no
enforcement regime in place for the affected area. However, this
situation may change pending the outcome of an application to extend
parking restrictions that has already been submitted to NEPP. If the
application is successful, all the affected junctions would be
safeguarded by red lines. The
meeting also addressed concerns raised by the Head Teacher of Alderton
Hall School regarding drivers parking in restricted areas outside the
school during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. This
blatant disregard for parking regulations poses a risk to students and
their parents. Through
this fruitful dialogue, Cllr Nweke successfully secured a commitment
from NEPP for enhanced enforcement measures to discourage parking
violations outside the school. It was agreed that vehicles equipped
with high-quality CCTV would begin regular visits to the area to
enforce regulations. Any drivers caught parked or stopped in restricted
zones outside the school would face fines. It
is anticipated that the consistent presence of these enforcement
vehicles will help deter parents from parking in prohibited areas while
dropping off or picking up their children. As the meeting drew to a
close, participants expressed their appreciation for the constructive
discussions and the commitments made for future actions. Cllr Rackham
emphasized the significance of community involvement in developing
parking policies that serve the interests of all. We hope to report the
outcome of the visit of the parking enforcement vehicles to Alderton
Hall Lane in the near future.
17 April 2025 There
have been ongoing concerns by residents over parking problems resulting
from the new housing and over 400 new residents in the Lucton Close
development on Borders Lane. These concerns have led to frustration and
tension in the community, which have been heard by LRA Cllr Chidi Nweke
and Independent Cllr Stephen Murray.
New
residents of Lucton Close are currently facing challenges with limited
parking availability in their new neighbourhood, often resorting to
parking in nearby streets. We empathise with these residents, many of
whom may not have been aware of the parking situation prior to moving
in. We are sympathetic to this.
We
also recognise the concerns of residents on Colson Road and Ladyfields,
who are feeling the additional pressure on parking in their areas.
However there have been reports of tension, including instances of
harassment directed towards Lucton Close residents. Disturbingly, we
have received reports of criminal damage to vehicles belonging to
Lucton Close residents, including slashed tyres and keyed paintwork.
Such actions are unacceptable and counterproductive to our shared goal
of fostering a harmonious community.
There
are better ways to address parking pressures, rather than taking the
law into one's hand. For instance, the implementation of a Scheme
which, if approved, could restrict parking on certain streets to
residents only during designated times. We are aware that some
residents are actively pursuing this option to enhance parking
restrictions. Those with long memories may remember that residents
rejected such a scheme 10 years ago. Perhaps time for residents to get
together and propose it again?
We urge all residents to report any incidents of criminal damage or harassment to the police immediately by calling 101 or report it online.
LRA Comment:
LRA opposed this development from the outset owing to anticipated
parking complications, among other concerns (background on our
website). The District Council’s failure to make a decision on
development enabled the developer, Fairview Homes, to take the
application to a Planning Inspector, which ultimately approved the
project despite local concerns.
While
the outcome cannot be changed, we encourage everyone to respond with
patience and understanding, avoiding any actions that may be perceived
as threatening to fellow residents. Chidi and Stephen are committed to
collaborating with residents of Lucton Close to explore alternative
parking solutions that may help mitigate the parking pressures on
Colson Road, Ladyfields and surrounding streets. However, it is
important to understand that while we are working towards a solution,
we cannot guarantee immediate results.
We
appreciate the cooperation of all community members and encourage a
spirit of restraint as we work together to address these challenges. It
is essential to report any incidents to the police rather than taking
matters into our own hands.
19 September 2025