EVEN though it has admitted its actions have contributed significantly to the problem, Thurrock Council has 'washed its hands' over the issue of parking in a busy Thurrock residential area.

Residents in the Richmond Road area had petitioned the council in the wake of the closure of Thurrock Adult Community College.

The decision to close the college and seal off its car park was a hotly contested one, opposed by many residents and supporters of the college which offered a home to many community groups.

Yet in a response to residents, council officer Steven Lines from the authority's Transport Development team dismisses that decision in 32 words, describing the college and its car park as a 'private car park' - divorcing the council from any decision-making.

He told resident Kevin Lamb, who submitted the petition: "It is understood that the parking situation has become more difficult recently due to the closure of a private car park in the area to which residents had access overnight and weekends."

Mr Lines dismisses the petition calling for residents parking permits as a part solution to the problem and says that council has no money to investigate the issue further.

He says that residents were consulted four hears ago about parking permits - well before the college closure and loss of the car park - and didn't want it, effectively turning the 'blame' on residents even though the subsequent changes were all brought about solely by the council's actions - which were against a majority of residents' wishes.

The petition said: "We, the undersigned, would like Thurrock Borough Council to re-evaluate the requirement for residents parking in Richmond Road."

Mr Lamb says: "Well there you have it, Thurrock Council wash their hands of the problem with parking in Richmond Road (also Benson, Kent and Salisbury)."

The council also ignored residents' concerns over new access arrangements to the Alf Lowne Scout Centre on Richmond Road, which local people say has exacerbated the problems.

The full response to the petition by Mr Lines was: "I must advise that the residents of this area (Benson Road, Richmond Road, Salisbury Road and Kent Road) were all consulted on the possibility of being included within a Permit Parking Area (Known as Zone J) within the past four years.

As part of that consultation the Council received a high number of objections to the scheme (including a petition against the proposal). On that basis it was decided that the scheme should not proceed due to lack of support from the residents in the area.

"However, the introduction of parking restrictions across all of the entrance points to the rear access roads did progress and were implemented.

"From the consultation this appeared to be a significant issue as residents responses indicated that parking here obstructed these accesses and was the reason why so many residents were not using the rear access paths to provide their own off street parking within the back garden area of their properties.

"Unfortunately I must advise that there is currently no funding available for further investigations into Residents Permit Parking schemes in Thurrock at this time and this is not on the proposed programme for the 2022/23 financial year.

"It is understood that the parking situation has become more difficult recently due to the closure of a private car park in the area to which residents had access overnight and weekends

"I must advise that this is not a situation which would be resolved by a permit scheme as Thurrock's Residents Permit Parking schemes operate 8am till 6pm Monday to Friday and do not cover the weekends or overnight when the demand for residents parking is at its greatest.

"I would also add that schemes are introduced on an area wide basis, rather than road by road.

"Therefore it is possible that even with a permit scheme in place, vehicles belonging to residents from another road in the area who would be entitled to a permit to park in Richmond Road.

"From the above you will appreciate that I am unable to help you further at this time."