11:40pm Thursday 9th July 2009
By Hayley Court
DISABLED and elderly people in Park South are celebrating after a five-year wait for parking ended in success.
Residents in Studland Close now have their own driveways and road spaces, meaning they no longer have to shuttle between their homes and their cars using mobility scooters.
Graham Bowles, 54, who suffers from chronic emphysema said he was delighted the work is now complete.
Mr Bowls, who receives a disability pension, said: “Before, I’d have to park my car on the main roads nearby. I can’t walk very far so having my mobility car on my own driveway is lovely.
“It has taken five years but we can now park outside our own houses, which makes the world of difference to us.”
Mr Bowles and his wife Olive, 61, have lived in their bungalow for five years. They launched a petition to see the driveways built just months after they arrived when Graham realised the nearest he could park to his house was in Denholme Road or Cranmore Avenue.
Residents used to park on grass outside their homes but found that their cars would churn up it up in wet weather.
“People used to park up the road and then drive backwards and forwards in their mobility scooters to bring their shopping in,” said Mrs Bowles, who has arthritis of the spine.
“We’re just so grateful that our request has been taken seriously because it’ll make a real difference to our lives.”
Neighbours Brian and Esme Sweet said although they miss the grass outside their home, the driveway was essential.
Mr Sweet, 74, said: “Having a driveway means taxis can come right up to the house, it makes life a lot simpler.”
Coun David Renard, portfolio holder for health, housing and adult social care, said: “Every year we sit down with the residents to discuss how their housing revenue, which is basically their rent, can be spent on improving their homes.
“Over the years we have been fitting new doors and windows and other elements within the homes which residents asked to be our priority.
“This year Studland Close came to the top of the list for parking improvements so the work could finally go ahead.”
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