Local Frome residents who will be affected by the parking restrictions due to be implemented on Weymouth Road have mounted a campaign to challenge the decision. Representatives from surrounding streets met with Mendip Councillor Damon Hooten to hand over a petition, which has already garnered 282 signatures.

The petition states:

In line with section 18 of theTraffic Management Act 2004, we would like to request a review of the parking scheme on Weymouth Road in Frome. This includes the use of pay to park meters and the introduction of resident parking permits.

The implications of this scheme will have an impact not only Weymouth Road residents, but also residents and businesses on surrounding streets, and local people visiting Victoria Park; the majority of whom, have not been consulted.

The only people to be offered permits are residents of Weymouth Road, where an overwhelming majority of the properties already have access to off-road parking in the form of drives or garages.

Victoria Park is a free community space thatis used by large numbers of locals and their families. Planned parking meters and permit parking along both Weymouth Road and future plans for adjoiningSomerset Road, will discourage and may prevent people from being able to usethe space altogether.

So far, comments by locals objecting to the scheme include:

"Restricting parking on Weymouth and Somerset roads will just move more cars to neighbouring streets. We need a joined-up plan rather than point solutions."

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"During the summer, I play bowls 3 or 4 times a week in Victoria Park, which is recommended exercise for the elderly (I am 75). If I am unable to park nearby (which seems likely given the restrictions being imposed) I shall give up playing."

"It will restrict access to the park for those that need to use their cars to get there, e.g., pushchair, wheelchair, disabled."

"It's fine as it is. I'm unable to walk far and rely on my car- the amount if parking available is shrinking all the time, which restricts the places I can go to. Not everyone can afford carparks, not everyone is so badly lacking in mobility they get a disabled badge, but millions still have limited mobility and rely on their cars."

"Victoria Park serves a wide area, including people from out of town. It's used for recreation and exercise - the Council should be encouraging the use of public spaces like this, not discouraging it."

"I live on Castle St in the Trinity area and parking is already a nightmare. I really feel a proper assessment of the town's parking needs, has not been carried out. It makes no sense at all to just put parking permits on one road, as of course it will impact on the surrounding roads."

"I live in Catherine Street and this is an unfair scheme that is based on previous parking issues in Weymouth Road that do not exist anymore. This is an ill-conceived scheme that benefits few and disadvantages many."

Given these points, the organisers believe that the appropriateness of the council's current parking scheme is questionable and should be withdrawn and reconsidered.

To add your voice, and sign the petition, click HERE: