Taunton residents' parking protest on Musgrove Road

Taunton residents protested yesterday about the "nightmare" parking issues outside their homes.

The issues stem from workers at Musgrove Park Hospital who have to pay for their spaces so instead park on roads near the hospital.

Recently Kathy Carpetner, who lives on Musgrove Road, had her car hit by a van which could not safely fit through due to the number of vehicles packed on either side of the road.

Kathy said: "It really was a mighty crash.

"These issues have been going on for so long now, when I came out and saw what had happened to my car I just lost it. I was effing and blinding at him,

"The whole thing was ridiculous and could have been avoided.

"We only had the car five weeks and we had planned to go on holiday in the next couple of days, so it was a nightmare sorting everything out."

Kathy attended the protest along with 70 other residents on the roads around Musgrove.

Residents claim the issues have been going on for two years.

A group from Primary Colours Day Nursery on Galmington road also came along as they are worried for their children's safety on the roads.

Becca, Nursery Assistant at Primary Colours said: "You do get drivers zooming around the estate and with the cars so packed together there is very little room,

"You wouldn't be able to see if a child was about to walk into the road. It's just a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

"We are all just praying this gets sorted out soon.

Ryan Varnerr, an ex-paramedic also living on Musgrove road feels that if there were an accident an ambulance would struggle to get through:

"There will be an accident, it is inevitable, and even though the hospital is close by a large ambulance won't be able to squeeze through the tiny gap left in the middle of the road."

"It has been going on for two years now; we're really reaching the end of our tether."

Taunton Deane Councillor, Justine Baker has launched a petition demanding parking restrictions on packed residential roads.

She said: "As well as a resident getting her car damaged, another resident was woken in bed  by a hospital worker ringing the bell to get a car moved so the worker could drive off. 

"The last straw came when we heard that residents in Parkfield Crescent were being offered a parking scheme to get banish commuters.

"We are meeting the Chief executive of Musgrove hospital soon to see what they can do.  The County Council won't talk to us, so we are asking residents to sign a petition to force a debate at Full Council."

If you want to sign the petition or get involved, contact Justine at Justinemariebaker@gmail.com

See the picture gallery of the protest here: http://bit.ly/R9XvI9