We’ve paid for permits but can’t park anywhere because council workers have taken 100s of spaces – we’re fighting back

RESIDENTS of a major city claim they have been left unable to park because council workers have nabbed all the spaces.

Locals allege that the officials shouldn’t even be in the area but have poured in since their main office was shut down.

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Plymouth residents claim they are being crowded out of parking by council workers[/caption]

Hundreds of employees of Plymouth City Council have apparently been transferred to Ballard House on the Bay after their main site in the city centre was closed.

The council insists that its staff are not granted all-day permits and that they have been reminded of this.

But people living nearby have accused workers of hogging spaces previously used by the public for hours.

Small business owners in the area claim that the overcrowding is impacting trade, with one even blaming it for the closure of their cafe.

Kerry Parsons, who is now selling her beloved Cafe Bene, told Somerset Live: “My staff are now unemployed, and me, so that’s three of us.”

And Lynne Sears, who live in the area, said that her neighbours were “up in arms” about the decision.

She claimed: “It started just after Christmas and there was a massive uptick as summer got closer.

“If we move our cars during the day you can’t park anywhere when you come back.

“They come and go and look for any spaces that are free.

“People are fed up with it. We need to fight this.”

Residents allege that they were not informed ahead of the office relocation and have urged the council to tell staff to park on a nearby wasteland area or less congested residential streets further from Ballard House.

A council spokesperson said: “A number of Council staff have business parking permits due to their role.

“These are staff who are out and about across the city every day.

“For those who need to visit Ballard House throughout the day, they are asked to prebook parking for short periods in Ballard House car parks or use Western Approach.

” Staff permits are not for all-day parking outside of Ballard House or on West Hoe Road.

“We have reminded staff of our staff parking policy.”

It comes after a £6 million roadwork project was put on hold after a nest of dormice was discovered in the area.

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Hundreds of staff have allegedly been granted permits after their city centre office was closed[/caption]