Access to Riding School Yard by Waitrose frequently blocked by inconsiderate drivers

At last night’s meeting of the Town Council Planning Committee a resident of Riding School Yard, the residential area accessed via the arch between Waitrose and Travel by Hannah was there to ask a question about what will the Council do about their access. When cars – probably visiting Waitrose – stop across the entrance, they can’t get in, out, or nor can any emergency vehicle that might have to attend one of the residents there. In one word – inconsiderate. Other words, possibly more extreme could be used.

For the Leighs it’s been sometimes a nightmare. Whilst based at home for work, Nick has missed meetings as he hasn’t been able to get out in the car, as well as numerous other times when they have been ‘virtual prisoners’. Double yellow lines across the entrance/exit – ignored.

Solutions: Raise to ‘LHFIG’ (Local highway and footway improvement group), the committee that oversees and allocates funds for such remedial works but what to do? The clearest option came from Cllr Caroline Wrench when she suggested that the pavement extensions and bollards that enable residents of Alma Place (a few yards along the High Street) to get in and out could be copied nfor the Riding House Yard alleyway exit/entrance. But that will take time.

It was seen as being an issue of enforcement. It is illegal for any car to block such an entrance, at any time and for which there is no valid excuse. But how often are Traffic Enforcement Officers in Marlborough – and patrolling? Answer – not often, but only when you least want them. But what could they do? Issue a ticket, no more, and that would not shift the blocking car. Police can, but that will also take time.

Is it just one or a few offenders? No, different cars at different times.

One ‘wag’ at the meeting suggested that they borrow a tractor with a pronged front loader that could get the prongs under an offending car, lift it and and shift it out of the way. In humour, sure. Legal – definitely not but very newsworthy, and guaranteed to get national and local news coverage, although there may be legal (not to mention financial) consequences to bear afterwards.

Message for any driver wanting to park outside Waitrose – park anywhere, legally and considerately, but please don’t block the Riding School Yard entrance