'Reckless' Southend Airport customers slammed for parking outside allotments
Owners of allotments at Gaynes Park, off Manners Way, have been left frustrated by holidaymakers parking outside the allotments 'for weeks on end' to allegedly avoid paying for airport parking.
As well as blocking access, owners have been accused of littering and creating a mess.
Southend Council has described the situation as 'unacceptable' and threatened fines against drivers involved, while Southend Airport is encouraging its customers to use public transport wherever possible.
Committee - John Sheehy (left), Brian Howe (centre) and Andy Gordon (right) are frustrated with the parking. (Image: Sue Sheehy)
Andy Gordon, committee member, said: 'People from the airport park there and it churns all the grass verges up, which we've had re-turfed at our own expense.'
'They leave their cars while they're away on holiday, and others chuck rubbish from McDonald's and drive off.'
Andy and his wife are among 80 people using the allotments, and have been involved with the site for 15 years.
Obstruction - Cars block the entrance gate on both sides. (Image: Sue Sheehy)Andy added: 'We're a happy community – we all have a chat and a cuppa, so to see it get like this is sad.'
Sue Sheehy, committee chair, and husband John Sheehy, have been involved for many years, echoing the same concerns and fighting for a solution.
Sue said: 'It's very difficult if a lorry comes in with deliveries, and ambulances have had difficulty getting in – god forbid we ever need the fire brigade, they've got no chance."
Holidaymakers - Airport customers attempt to avoid the parking fees. (Image: Sue Sheehy)John added: "Nine times out of 10 it's fully jammed - there's no restrictions to prevent parking for the airport.
"We've written to the council, now we're waiting in frustration and it's only getting worse - double yellow lines would help, which we've previously requested."
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Rammed - Deliveries and emergency vehicles are unable to get through. (Image: Sue Sheehy)
Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend Council, said: 'We understand why residents are frustrated, the allotments matter to the community and it's unacceptable for holidaymakers to block access and damage the area.
'We've strengthened our enforcement powers to deal with these issues, including fines, formal notices, and installing bollards – we'll always start with advice but won't hesitate to take formal action when needed."
A Southend Airport spokesperson said: 'Encouraging greater use of public transport helps reduce local congestion, which is an important part of our long-term vision.'
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