Anger as motorists turn village green into a 'boggy marsh'

Peter Scott, who is chairman of Hillside Residents’ Association, says he disgruntled with the lack of respect motorists are having for the green, just outside the organisation’s offices in School Mead.

The 71-year-old said: “Our offices have been revamped and Tanners Wood Hall has been rebuilt and opened to villagers.

“But instead of overlooking a pleasant green we’ve been left with an unsightly boggy marsh because motorists are parking their cars on the grass.

“I know we’ve had bad weather, but people need to be a bit more respectful. It’s destroying the appearance of the area.”

According to Mr Scott, of School Mead, cars tend to be parked haphazardly along the grass every day. He claims the problem is particularly bad between 8.30am and 9am, 2.45pm and 3.30pm and when evening classes are held at the hall.

He said: “Part of the problem is due to the school next door. Parents aren’t walking their children to Tanners Wood School, they’re driving them, and when they find there is nowhere to park, they are using the grass.

“The issue needs to be addressed. We’ve got celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee coming up which we will be holding on the green. But at the rate it’s being abused, there will be no green to hold celebrations on.”

The land belongs to Watford Community Housing Trust (WCHT) and Mr Scott says the parking issue needs to be addressed by the organisation.

He said: “I’ve spoken with the school, but nothing has been done. Really, as the land belongs to WCHT, they need to sort it out – whether that means further parking restrictions, I don’t know.

“There’s also the safety aspect. People walking from their cars onto the green are getting mud on the pavements. Someone walking by could slip.”

WCHT representatives said they will be addressing the issue. Susannah Brunert, head of housing services at WCHT, said: “The green is for the benefit of everyone in the community and it would be a shame if it is spoilt by the actions of a few.”