Published: Saturday, 27th February, 2010 8:00am

Tesco holds key to parking

AN ongoing parking battle between commuters and residents is to be tackled head-on by a Neighbourhood Action Group.

Following reports of criminal damage to cars and complaints from residents about parking problems in the roads surrounding Martin's Heron railway station, the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) for Martin's Heron, The Warren and Harmans Water has set up a working group to find a solution.

In a meeting on Wednesday, the new working group made up of Winkfield Parish councillors David Parkin and Malcom Young and Tesco store manager Gareth Owen said they will look into possible alternatives to the problems, including a new car park and whether Tesco can offer spaces.

NAG chair, cllr Trevor Kensall, said: "I have every sympathy with the people of Martin's Heron, we are on their side.

"We are doing everything we can and we are constantly looking for a solution to the problem."

Although the station is operated by South West Trains, the station car park is owned by Tesco.

Tesco store manager, Gareth Owen, said: "Tesco are already providing parking for 50 or so spaces at the station car park.

"On a local level we can certainly help, there are spaces we can provide."

A South West Trains spokesperson said: "We don't have any plans to make any changes at Martin's Heron, but we did increase the number of car parking spaces at Wokingham station recently."

Bracknell Forest Council put yellow lines down in the surrounding area in a bid to tackle the issue and from August 1 2009 to January 31 2010, civil enforcement officers (CEOs) patrolled the area 337 times and issued 24 penalty charge notices.

In response to the News' article about the parking problems, neighbourhood officers distributed a letter to residents in the area highlighting that they are aware of the issue and they are keen to stress that the damage may not have been caused by a disgruntled resident and could be unrelated.

PC Oliver Neale, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer said: "We will be supportive and solve this problem as best we can, we need to pull together."

If anyone has any information on vehicle damage please call the police on 08458 505 505.

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