by Katrina Chilver
(De Montfort University student)
Leicester residents are making every effort to have their parking problems resolved after a new permit scheme has left them struggling to park their cars.
The extension of the Westcotes parking scheme has been in force since January 6 and covers roads to the west of Narborough Road up to Fosse Road South.
Joraber Sahota, of Westcotes Drive, whose road is not covered by the scheme has sent numerous letters and emails to Leicester City Council and City Mayor Peter Soulsby.
Mr Sahota said: “I started this campaign about a month ago.
“I moved here because it was such a quiet road and there was hardly ever a car parked but now there is hardly ever a space, it’s a parking nightmare.”
After a visit from the council Mr Sahota wrote a letter, took 200 copies door to door for neighbours to sign and then sent them to Mr Soulsby.
A group of residents also visited MP Liz Kendall two weeks ago but have had no response since.
Mr Sahota said: “I have done everything I can, I am not going to stop until it’s resolved.
“They say it’s going to take 18 months but why do we need to wait for this problem to be fixed.
“I am not going to step down and take it. I want Mr Soulsby to come and see the problem for himself.”
Subhash Varambhia, owner of Snutch Newsagents in Fosse Road South has also submitted a petition.
Mr Varambhia said: “People don’t want to park in the city centre because it is too expensive, why should we have to subsidise expensive town parking.
“Also, the businesses are now seeing a drop in footfall because customers cannot park.”
The Westcotes experimental parking scheme will run until April 30 2015 when it will be reviewed.
