A PETITION has been launched via Thurrock Council's website, giving resints the opportunity to comment on a proposal to change a parking area and disabled bay in Orchard Close, South Ockendon.

Petition organisers have asked the authority to focus on improving the position of the existing disabled bay as it currently restricts vehicle access to front patio areas of homes.

They say it also limits residents' ability to use their frontage for off-street parking.

The petition reports that the current parking arrangement presents access difficulties for several properties, particularly ones located at the end of Orchard Close.

In a bid to improve safety for residents and visitors, the e-petition asks the council to consider the following:

• An extension of the existing dropped kerb would allow residents to safely access the front patio areas of their properties and create more efficient use of available space.
• Relocating the current bay slightly would maintain accessibility for disabled users, while preventing obstruction of residential access to the properties at the end of Orchard Close.

Thurrock Council said: "The petition is currently still open for signatures. As such, it is still within the active collection period and has not yet reached the stage where it will be formally reviewed.

"In line with the council's petitions scheme, once the petition has closed, it will be assessed, and we will determine the appropriate next steps based on the number of signatures received and the issues that have been raised.

"At this stage, no decision has been made on whether a formal review of the parking layout in Orchard Close will take place. This will be considered once the petition has closed and been formally reviewed."

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Organisers have also asked if the council could arrange for a highways officer to inspect the site and advise whether the proposal can be considered under current parking and highway regulations.

The petition closes on Wednesday, 15 July 15. It can be viewed here: Petition: Review parking area and relocation of disabled bay in Orchard Close | Have my say | Thurrock Council