PARKING in Holsworthy is set to get a little bit easier on the day formerly occupied by the town’s market.

For a number of years, there have been parking restrictions in the square at Holsworthy in order to keep the area clear for the market.

However, with Holsworthy Market becoming a seasonal event, residents have raised the issue of not being able to park in the area during the day previously occupied by the event.

The town’s mayor has said he has been engaging with Devon County Council to try and come up with a solution.

With changes to traffic regulation orders taking a long time to come into effect, it has been agreed that the parking enforcement officers will keep a ‘wide berth’ of the square on the affected day.

However, people have been urged to ‘park sensibly’, as complaints about the parking will lead to the officer returning with full authority to take action, particularly when it concerns loading bays being used for car parking by residents.

Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy, said: “I have been working with our Devon County Council neighbourhood highways officer to try and come up with a solution regarding the parking restrictions in the Square on a Wednesday. There is currently a TRO (traffic regulation order) which restricts parking from midnight until 6pm in certain parts of the square (generally around the side).

“These were set up many years ago for the Wednesday market held in The Square which would be closed to through traffic. With the market becoming seasonal and currently under review unfortunately the signs are still in place. There is no quick fix or change to the TRO or signage.

“The process to change the restrictions usually takes upwards of 18 months as there are consultations and timescales that need to be adhered to. This can also lead to a cost of over £5000. However, after speaking to our NHO the change in signage has been added to an annual review by the highways department, but this could also take up to 18 months.

“So as a short term solution, the enforcement officer will be keeping a wide berth of the Square on a Wednesday going forward.

“However, should there be any complaints regarding parking in the Square they will return. This means people need to park sensibly and not use the loading bays as parking spaces! Also people need to remember that the signage in the square is still enforceable!

“Last week I saw some complaints about people being ticketed for parking in the loading bays in the Square, loading bays are there for a reason! Also there have been many complaints about people parking and blocking the entrance to the Square for a quick pop into Co Op or Kj’s.

“Common sense would be helpful, and not park on the double yellow lines. And if you do park on the double yellows or in the loading bay please don’t complain if you get a ticket, even on a Sunday night!”