Inconsiderate parking at the entrance to a popular path is restricting access for others, despite an obvious ‘no parking’ sign on the gate.

Di Clements, the local county councillor for Martletwy, said she was ‘disappointed’ at seeing cars parked in front of the access gates to the new multi-user path between Blackpool Mill and Eagle Lodge.

Completed in 2019, the path, which is part of the 17km route between Narberth and Haverfordwest, is designed for walkers, cyclists, those with impaired mobility, horse riders and horse carriages. But according to Clr. Clements, people are frequently blocking the gates with their cars meaning other users, especially horse riders and carriages, struggle to access the path.

There are signs clearly saying no parking and there is a large parking space less than 400m further along the road, but many are ignoring this, she said.

“It is disappointing that people are parking at the entrance to the new multi-user path at Blackpool Mill, which has been built using a considerable amount of public money, stated Clr. Clements. “It is especially frustrating when it says ‘no parking’ on the gate and yet they continue to do so, especially when there is more suitable and easy parking a short distance away. By parking inappropriately, people are restricting entitled users from using the path.”

The surfaced path forms part of the ‘active travel route’, which incorporates traffic-free sections and quiet roads, tracks, bridleways and public footpaths to link the two key Pembrokeshire towns. Wherever possible, it is multi-user, meaning it is accessible to walkers, cyclists, the mobility-impaired and equestrians.