PARKING tickets could be given to drivers parking at Melksham House following concerns about parking on the grass area.
Despite several ‘no parking’ signs along the grass area, cars have been using the grass area as a car park for several months now, and with the heavy rain, local people are angry about the current state of the grass.
A local man who lives in Melksham but who would prefer not to me named told the Melksham News, “The current situation at Melksham House grounds make my blood boil. People of Melksham do you have no respect for your surrounding, where you live, your town?
“The Melksham House steward, from past days, Mr Terry Gregory will be ‘turning in his grave’ with the sight of the lawns that have been trashed by motorists who can’t be bothered to park on Tarmac, where it’s free i might add. Too lazy, bone idle and too tight to pay for parking.”
On Facebook Hayley Case said, “It’s terrible [the parking on the grass]. I used the car park the other week and there was lots of spaces, yet the grass was full of cars either side. The gardens of Melksham House have always been beautiful, it’s such a shame.”
Nic Johnstone said, “It’s just pure laziness. We use the car park when my children have swimming lessons but have never parked on the grass as I think it’s wrong. We have always managed to find a space in the car park.”
Margaret Carlton said, “It’s an absolute mess. The signs say no parking, people are just being lazy.”
But others have defended the parking, blaming the loss of free parking in the Market Place.
Mark Birkett said, “If you remove car parking places from the Market Place and several other areas in Melksham where would you like people to park? There is a limit to other car parks and if our lovely council want people in the towns, then provide ample parking. Issuing tickets may stop it, but the real issue is that they have removed parking places and not replaced them.”
Melksham town councillor Kathy Iles said, “I think the parking on the grass started when the hot weather began and people were parking in the shade under the trees.
“It only takes one inconsiderate person to do it and others just follow.
“I really don’t think it’s got anything to do with losing the Market Place parking as there were only 20 time limited spaces there anyway.”
A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said, “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding inappropriate parking at the Melksham House site, and consequently we are looking to obtain a traffic order to deter vehicles from routinely parking in these areas. We will provide more information as this matter is progressed.”
