Inconsiderate parking blocks disabled pensioner's access to his west Cornwall home

A Goldsithney couple is pleading with people to think before they park in someone else's private spot because inconsiderate parking is making their lives "impossible".

Heather and Clive Williams have lived on the village's Fore Street for three years but recently the problem has got much more serious after Mr Williams became disabled.

Mr Williams, 69, suffers from Parkinson's disease, which according to his wife is progressing quickly and then last summer in an unrelated condition, his spine collapsed leaving him in constant pain.

He now has problems getting around, which have been made even worse by people parking in the Williams' private parking spaces, bought with their house.

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And Mrs Williams, 63, said it is not just their problem but a lot of her friends and neighbours who live in west Cornwall also have issues with people parking inconsiderately and blocking access to properties.

She said she always tries to be open and friendly but the way people are treating their private parking space is driving her nuts.

"It is really impossible for us at times," she said. "Some people do respect it and I am grateful to them, I see them parking and then they move away when they see the signs. Other people are quite cocky about it."

The Williams have signs on their space indicating that it is private property but Mrs Williams said it does look like a layby.

"Lots of people feel it is perfectly OK to park up ignoring the very clear signs that it is private and which property the parking is for. People visiting our neighbours, people having their lunch break, people making a long call on their mobile, people going to the shop, people working on other properties in the area, people mysteriously leaving their cars overnight."

Although the couple no longer have a car of their own, Mr Williams has regular hospital and doctors appointments that he needs to be transported to, plus health professionals often visit the house to see him.

Mr Williams can not walk more than a few paces with his walking frame.

"At 7am on Saturday several vehicles parked along our spaces and they almost refused to move when I went out and they were almost sneering at me," added Mrs Williams.

"I could do without people just laughing at me."

So now the couple are asking for people to be aware of where they park and the affect it might have on others, particularly when it is on private property.

Cornwall councillor for Marazion Sue Nicholas also said drivers needed to be more considerate.

"They can come to me to talk about getting a disability bay. "There are a lot of people who don't park with regard to house owners.

"It is down to people to show some consideration for others and that includes parking on the yellow lines that have been put there. It is just courtesy."