Visitors flocked to Gedling Country Park over the first weekend in lockdown and caused chaos by parking on roads leading to nearby housing estates – blocking access for residents.
Many angry residents took to social media, blasting visitors who had decided to park their vehicles in numbers on nearby roads when car parks at the popular attraction became full.
Dozens of cars parked along Hartland Drive, off Spring Lane, making it near-impossible for residents on the Spring Park estate to access or leave their homes.
Resident Anne-Marie Rollins posted on Facebook: “If an emergency vehicle needed to reach someone on our estate there would have been no chance of them getting through.
“The park has added a second car park and it’s still not enough to stop selfish people putting us in danger by parking irresponsibly.”
Many people trying to use footpaths along Spring Lane were also forced to walk into the road with blocked by vehicles parking on the verge.
Nikki Dewing wrote: “They were parking opposite the entrance to the country park up the curbs then when I went for a walk with my baby I couldn’t get passed with my pram so I had to go on the road,
Gedling Borough Council has now issued a plea, asking for those visiting the attraction to ‘park sensibly’.
A spokesman said: “Gedling Country Park is likely to be very busy throughout lockdown and despite extra car parking spaces.
The council is aware that people have been parking on nearby roads, causing traffic problems.
“Please park responsibly when visiting the park. If you are coming for a walk, and the top car parks are full, you can try the quieter car park on Lambley Lane and access the park from there – please be aware that entrance is not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.“
