COMMUTERS and others who park their cars along the County Ground recreation area access road, blocking it and causing problems for sports club members and pedestrians, will be unable to do so from Friday.

Over recent months, Swindon Council has received many complaints about the problem, which has resulted in some sports activities being delayed or in some instances cancelled.

The vehicles are also causing damage to the verges, council contractors have been unable to get access to areas to maintain the grounds, and pedestrians have been forced to walk along the road, increasing the risk of an accident.

Central ward councillors in the council’s Central Locality have been liaising with local groups and have agreed that the gates at the County Ground recreation area will in future be locked, and only official users of the facilities will have keys and be able to park in the designated car spaces.

Council officers have been putting letters on cars in recent days to advise those parking at the County Ground recreation area of the impending changes.

Coun Dave Wood, the Chair of the Central Locality, said: “It’s a real shame that some inconsiderate drivers misuse the facilities in this way. The council wants everyone to continue to use the County Ground recreation area, as it is one of a few open spaces in the town centre area and a valuable resource for lots of people.”