Frustrated residents have complained about a new parking scheme close to a park to the south of Ipswich.
The new development at one end of Bourne Park, by the entrance in Wherstead Road, has been problematic for pedestrians, dog walkers and residents who cannot park near their homes, it has been claimed.
But Ipswich Borough Council now says it has installed designated bays in the area in a bid to alleviate the issue.
One of the residents said: "The spaces through the railway arch have now all been allocated to disabled parking only and lie empty virtually all day while everyone else is forced to park on the very muddy verge on the Bourne Bridge side of the railway arch, which is getting more and more churned up.
Bourne Park in Ipswich (Image: Newsquest)
"There is also a danger with dogs and children having to walk under the narrow bridge to reach the park.
"On top of this, the verges will be closed from November 1, until the spring, meaning the only alternative is to battle the traffic and park at the top of the park."
Councillor Christopher Hudson, who represents the area, called the issue in Wherstead Road "a turf war between traffic and pedestrians".
Councillor Christopher Hudson, Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)
He said: "My main issue there is that the new parking scheme is proving very difficult for pedestrians and dog walkers who want to safely cross the road and get on to the green access on either side of Bourne Hill.
"The other problem is that people who live on Bourne Hill, just back from that main road, can't gain access to their own drives as there are a lot of cars parked there by non-residents.
"Ipswich is expanding, and there's a cost of it.
There are homes being built near Bourne Park (Image: Newsquest)
"I'm worried and concerned that urbanisation of this location is very dangerous to pedestrians and very inconvenient for residents who can't always park near their own property."
An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said: "Designated bays are now in place for Blue Badge holders at the car park on Wherstead Road.
"There are currently two parking bays for blue badge holders and six for use by any vehicle.
"This is being monitored as we do with designated bays in our other off-street car parks that are designated for sole use of Blue Badge Holders.
"The bay designation will be altered as necessary to reflect the usage."
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