Lynn parking permits spark concern
A PARKING crackdown has sparked outrage among residents living in sheltered accommodation who fear family and friends will no longer visit them.
Freebridge Community Housing will be introducing a new policy from Saturday (December 1) which will see tenants at Lynn's Horsleys Court and Windsor Park issued with one parking permit each in a bid to stop the increasing number of non-residents using their facilities.
Those who do not have a vehicle will be given a visitor's permit which can be used by guests and returned on their departure.
But Annmarie Baldock, whose father John Carter (81) lives at Horsleys Court, believes the new system could see family and friends deserting their loved ones.
She said: "Many residents are worried and unhappy with the fact that no visitors can park in the close. These residents are elderly and rely on their family and visitors to enhance their lives.
"They feel that if there is inconvenience, and the impossibility of parking elsewhere, these valued visitors will not be bothered to come and see them.
"Common sense should prevail so all residents are given one parking permit and one visitor's permit."
Ms Baldock, of Tynedale, North Wootton, is expecting her family to suffer with the new system as her father has his own car, which will require a permit.
She sees him twice a week, while other family members also make regular visits, meaning parking will be a problem.
This week Freebridge Community Housing defended its decision to impose the restrictions, stating the system was the only way to safeguard parking places.
A spokesman for Freebridge told the Lynn News: "Our priority is getting elderly people as close to their properties as possible.
"The problems there have been made worse by housing developments nearby. There is every likelihood that without this in place nobody from Horsleys Court will be able to park there.
"The tenants have been consulted and by and large they are welcoming of it. I understand why people are anxious, but we are doing our best to preserve the parking."
As only 11 parking bays are available at Horsleys Court the permit system will ensure residents, or their visitors, can park there, although places are never guaranteed.
A similar scheme is being introduced at Windsor Park to tackle the problems caused by Lynn Football Club supporters parking there on match days.
Anyone using parking facilities without a permit will face a penalty charge of up to 80 and enforcement will be in operation 24 hours a day.
A bay for carers will be allocated in each car parking area.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 09 February 2012
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