New bid to end parking problem at Eaton Park

A group of model boat enthusiasts are hoping to bring to an end a parking saga which stretches back more than 15 years.

Norwich Model Boat Club members have long called for better access to the boating lake at Eaton Park.

They say some of the club's membership of more than 90 people are elderly and they struggle to get their boats to the pond after parking in nearby streets.

For years the club has tried to find a solution so they can get to the pond to drop off their boats and they say the situation has been made more difficult by double yellow lines being placed at the walk-in entrance at South Park Avenue.

The club has submitted an application to Norwich City Council for planning permission to put in a gated access point to the boat pond in South Park Avenue, opposite Pettus Road. Richard Thurston, vice-chairman of the club, said: 'Trying to get delicate models across from the estate to the pond edge is very difficult now, particularly for the older members.' He said the access road, with a left hand turn in only and left turn out for club members, would solve the problem. 'This would enable members to safely reach the pond edge to offload and set up their models on the tables and then go and park their vehicles outside the park, then use the walk-in entrance.' The park is included on English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II, but the body has said it has no problems with the plans, so long as the access is used as a drop-off point only.

Caroline Ackroyd, Liberal Democrat candidate for Eaton at next month's city council elections, said families living nearby had raised concerns that the planned access was not at a safe place.

However, Bruce Bentley, transport planner at Norwich City Council, said the access was 'not ideally situated', but was acceptable if used solely for dropping off.

Do you have a story about a local council? Call Dan Grimmer on 01603 772375 or email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk