MOTORISTS travelling through Steam Mills are bearing the brunt of a parking rumoured feud between residents and the Forest council.

The Review has been told it has taken some motorists almost 30 minutes to travel half a mile from Dunk’s Corner to the vehicle parked on Steam Mills Road near the garage.

A resident, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “The vehicle owner has no choice but to park there after the council restricted access to derelict land at the rear of a row of houses.”

She said: “The issue goes back to 2007 when the brook, running alongside the back of the row of houses, flooded and a third of the car park was lost when workmen dug it up to make it flood-proof.

“That wasn’t a problem as we could use another part of the ground. However, last week, without a public consultation, the district council turfed up the car park and used mud from the trench to create a muddy bank to make access difficult. Of course, most households have two to three vehicles meaning there is now an overflow and people are forced to park on the road.

“I can understand the frustration of motorists passing through, it’s not ideal, but we have been given no option.”

Cinderford town councillors want to meet the district council to resolve the problem.

Town clerk, Lynda Thomas said: “Work has been carried out on the instruction of the Forest of Dean District Council, and I am currently trying to arrange a site meeting to see if something can be sorted out.”

The land is owned by the council who say residents have been parking there without permission for sometime.

A Forest Council spokeswoman said: “Despite the erection of signage and notices and the fact the council has never entered into any agreement with individuals to allow parking in this area, our requests to remove vehicles have been ignored.”

A motorist said: “The traffic is often backed right up. Admittedly some times of day are easier than others but last week, shortly before 9am, I joined the queue at Dunk’s Corner – with plenty behind me – and passed the parked car 25 minutes later. Something needs to be sorted as soon as possible.”