RESIDENTS have spoken of their anger at a county council decision to erect wooden bollards along grass verges in Queen Street, Clayton-le-Moors.

The wooden posts were installed to prevent people parking on grass verges that line the pavement on one side of the road.

But people who live in the area said they were causing parking and traffic issues.

Rosanna Lord, whose usual parking spot has been rendered obsolete by the new bollards, said: “It’s just ridiculous, and I have had enough. People can’t park outside their own home, and the road is blocked off at the top, making it difficult enough to get in, and out, of the street as it is.

“To be honest, I’m surprised there hasn’t been an accident.”

Rosanna lives with her disabled husband, who struggles to walk the distance from the car to his home now the couple are unable to park outside their home.

Stephen Walker, who lives on the opposite side of the street, is still able to park outside his home, but thinks the bollards are a mistake.

“The council is trying to do what’s best, but it hasn’t been round and actually asked anyone what we need here and what the problems are.

“The bollards are just making things worse.

“People can’t park outside their homes, and so are using back alleys, and a road that is supposed to be an access point for the emergency services.”

Oliver Starkey, county council highways manager for Hyndburn, said: “There is a long-standing issue of complaints from residents and councillors about damage caused to verges in Queen Street due to people parking on them and, as a result, a proposal was agreed to put up bollards to preserve the verges.

“Parking on grass verges has never been allowed, and the county council has powers to serve notice on people who park on them to pay for any damage caused.

“Many residents value the grass verges and want them to be maintained in a good condition. The cost of carrying out repairs to damaged verges is also a drain on the highways maintenance budget.”