Residents demand change as holidaymakers overcrowd village roads
- Residents of Felton have experienced an influx of holidaymakers parking outside their homes to save on airport fees, causing difficulties in daily life.
- Community members are responding by establishing litter picking groups and creating 'no parking' signs, reflecting growing frustration with the situation.
- There is a call for the introduction of residents' parking permits to alleviate the parking issue and protect local residents' access to their homes.
In Felton, a village located 1.7 miles from Bristol Airport, residents have been increasingly frustrated by holidaymakers parking their vehicles outside local homes to avoid substantial airport parking fees. This trend has led to various negative consequences for the locals, including rising incidents of littering, vandalism, and speeding. To combat the growing problem, some community members have established a litter picking group, responding to the accumulation of waste, which now reaches over 20 bags each week. Local residents feel that their needs are being neglected while visiting travelers occupy narrow roads, effectively blocking access to homes and making driving difficult. Local resident Darren Foskett has taken matters into his own hands by creating 'no parking' signs for his street and advocates for the introduction of residents' permits. He has expressed grave concerns about visibility and safety issues caused by parked cars, particularly at tricky junctions. In a troubling turn of events, he recalls a time when someone had been deliberately damaging car tires, which discouraged drivers for a while, but with that risk seemingly diminished, more holidaymakers returned to park in the area. Another resident, Marie Aldred, has also voiced her annoyance, highlighting how the difficult parking situation makes daily life challenging and unsafe for locals. Community concerns have been exacerbated by the airport's escalating parking fees, which range from £60 for 24 hours to as much as £210 for four days, with additional charges for each extra day. Arlene Sharp, a member of the newly formed Felton Village Litter Picking Group, described instances of irresponsible parking, noting a particular case where a vehicle was left unattended for weeks. This situation has led to trash accumulation as travelers have disposed of rubbish in the neighborhood. The residents are not opposed to the airport itself but are urging airport authorities to assist in resolving the parking issue that has overwhelmed their community. The increase in these issues highlights a substantial disconnect between the airport's transportation policies and the long-term wellbeing of the local residents.