NICOLA Morse of Broadwell is hopping mad after learning that a grassed area in front of her home is going to be converted to bollard-protected parking bays that have to be paid for by residents using them.

On behalf of residents she says are similarly dismayed by the actions of housing association Two Rivers, she has written to ask about the costs of both the installation of the 16 bays and the rental which will be charged for the spaces.

And as a private owner she also wants right of way access to a car her own Queensway property, and wonders how emergency vehicles are going to get through a barrage of locked bollards whose owners cannot be found in a hurry.

"So far I have had no satisfactory answers from Two Rivers, who say the installation costs are not my concern," she says.

"And as far as parking fees in an area where I and many others have always parked for free, I see this as yet another money-raising exercise by Two Rivers. Also, if they do it here in Queensway, how long before they start similar installations in other areas? I think they need to tell people what their plans are."

Rachel Smith, head of housing at Two Rivers, said: "We have been working with the local community at Queensway for the last 18 months to find a solution to the lack of parking in the area, which has been an on-going problem and a real frustration for many residents.

"We have looked at a number of options and have always been quite open at community meetings and home visits that any improvements would have a cost attached to them.

"Whilst this scheme will help with parking problems in the area, only the people directly benefitting from the parking spaces will pay for their use and on-going maintenance. In addition, providing 'off road' parking should give emergency vehicles and other road users better access as cars currently park on both sides, effectively narrowing the road.

"Even though we have not started work on site yet we have already had interest in renting the spaces.

"We have discussed with Mrs Morse her request to access her own property by car and we will be contacting her again to discuss her individual situation."