Sir,
1. When planning permission was granted upon the former coalyard in Kilgetty, the Pembrokeshire County Highways Department were most concerned regarding the sub-standard entrance to the station approach with minimal visibility prevailing. A major road improvement scheme was undertaken at my sole expense inclusive of footpath construction in compliance with the Pembrokeshire County Council requirements.
2. The site licence granted by the Pembrokeshire County Council for Shillingford Park stipulates that the means of access and egress to and from the Park must be maintained clear and unimpeded at all times.
3. Numerous instances have arisen with indiscriminate and illegal parking taking place upon Station Approach precluding access not only to Shillingford Park but also to that of the adjoining railway station. This, in turn, creates a major hazard for emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances.
4. Prior to instructing wheel clamping contractors for a period of some 15 months signs were prominently displayed depicting Private Property - No Parking and Wheel Clamping in Operation. Regrettably those notices were not heeded and numerous occasions arose when access/egress by residents upon Shilling Park was denied by inconsiderate motorists, many of whom parked on private property for a considerable period, depositing voluminous amounts of litter.
5. Appreciating my responsibility to comply with the County Highways condition imposed upon me and those conditions within the Park Site Licence, together with a duty of care for both residents on the Park and bona fide station users, I was left with no alternative other than to instruct a reputable car park control and management company whom, I would add, are ISO 9001 registered. One and the same company undertake similar services for numerous banks, building societies, local authorities, solicitors and major multiple companies. The car park company abide by the code of practice set down by the Association of British Parking Enforcement Companies in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Director General of Fair Trading.
6. Far from deriving any financial benefit from wheel clamping release fees which are retained by the management company, I also have to pay them an annual fee. This arrangement I am happy to continue with, if only to ensure that the privately owned property known as Station Approach is maintained clear and unimpeded at all times preventing unnecessary and illegal obstruction which in turn creates a potential hazard to life and limb of residents upon Shillingford Park and that of bona fide station users.
7. For the purpose of clarity, I confirm that there is a right of way at all times to Kilgetty Station for bona fide station users, but no right to park. This issue has been raised by the Community Council in writing to whom I replied, offering to enter into negotiations regarding the sale/lease of land adjoining the station. Regrettably, my letter was never acknowledge nor responded to.
8. Consultations and site meetings have taken place with the local police force who, in turn endorse my actions and have recommended that double yellow lines be painted upon the Station Approach to further acquaint members of the general public that no right of parking prevails.
In conclusion, I pose the question to certain correspondents as to how they would feel if, upon a nightly basis, their own private entrance drives were not only blocked but also parked upon by uninvited and unauthorised persons.
Graham H. Evans,
FRICS FAAV,
Shillingford Park,
Carmarthen Road,
Kilgetty.