PEOPLE living on an estate in Chard have taken to the streets in protest against on street parking.

Residents in Mitchell Gardens have had enough of people parking outside their houses and lined the streets in a bid to drive people to Crowshute car park, just meters away.

Around 15 residents cars were moved from their driveways to block the on road spaces used by all day parkers.

Brian Elphick, chairman of the Mitchell Gardens Residents' Association, said: "A lot of workers park in the street instead of paying for parking.

"We want to get the roads lined so people use the car park.

"It is not just a problem in Mitchell Gardens, but spreads throughout the estate, and the whole of Chard."

Residents have parked their cars along the streets in a week long protest culminating on Thursday.

Brian added: "The roads are not wide enough for parking.

"Parking on the road, and alongside junctions and car park entrances, make it hard to see and can be very dangerous. I just know there is going to be an accident along here one day."

Norman Tayler, a resident supporting the protest, said: "Our dispute is not against all day parkers but against the policies of both district and county councils, in respect of Crowshute parking price increases and failure to adjust yellow lining in key places.

"The councils proposals to put up parking charges will only draw people further away from the town."

He added: "One day there is going to be an accident.

"Dr Glanvill from Springmead Surgery has written to the residents association to say that there are often cars parked along the street restricting the vision when coming out of their car park, and how dangerous it can be."

Chard town and county councillor Jill Shortland said: "I am behind the protest of the residents.

"The councils are working together on matters of parking in Chard, but it takes a long time to get parking in place.

"I would like to see a lower season ticket price and more advantages, like an allowance for part time workers, or ability to park in other car parks in the area.

"Long stay parking, which is required by many people working in the town, should be at a reasonable cost, and these matters will be addressed at the district council meeting in Yeovil on Thursday."