'It’s only going to get worse... if nothing is done it will just become more and more dangerous'

A Greater Manchester estate plagued by a lack of parking could see its entire layout changed to resolve the issue.

The Smallbridge estate of Ditton Mead and Armstrong Hurst Close was never meant for so many families using cars, which has left residents suffering from a lack of parking and fighting for space. The latest Pennines Township Committee meeting heard how the homes were built at a time when car ownership was low and were not designed to current road and parking standards.

A petition launched by a local ward councillor has now been signed by the majority of the estate to sort the issue out.

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Coun John Blundell told the committee on September 17: “The estate was one of those where everyone was supposed to walk and cycle to work or get the bus. There is a small car park which has lots of houses around it. There isn’t a parking space per house here. There are simply not enough parking spaces for the people that live there.

“This is by far the worst situation for parking in the area. I have half the estate who have signed the petition.”

Although 1,000 signatures are usually needed to spark a debate by the full council, this isn't possible in an estate where only around 400 people live - meaning a large proportion of resident signatures is enough. The meeting at Number One Riverside was told that the petition seeks to redesign the estate in a way that suits the residents.

'If nothing is done it will get more dangerous'

Coun Blundell explained that he has worked hard with his fellow ward colleagues to rally residents together and wants a consultation asking locals what they want to see happen. The Smallbridge and Firgrove ward member thought removing sections of raised kerbs and grassed areas and providing a tarmac finish could be one solution.

Coun Blundell continued: "If we continue as we are it’s only going to get worse. Some residents don’t want a car park but some want verges taken away. That is why we need consultation to see how they want it to be redesigned.

"If nothing is done it will just become more and more dangerous."

Other committee members who have visited the estate agreed that the parking situation was "chaotic". Council papers estimate dropping kerbs and replacing grass verges could cost around £100,000 to do.

A report also highlighted that two locations have been identified for a new car park area off Stonie Heys Avenue, but this could cost between £300,00 and £600,000. Plans for a consultation process were approved by the committee, subject to cost not exceeding the financial threshold of around £5,000.