Parking is continuing to present a problem in a busy South Hams village.

South Brent’s village centre is the bustling heart of the community, despite the recent closure of its post office and bank, but parish councillors are expressing their frustration at the ongoing parking problems that visitors and residents experience.

Concerns were expressed at the Parish Council meeting on February, 19 about the way the car park at Station Yard is being used. The car park, which is leased by the Parish Council from South Hams District Council, was intended to provide parking for traders in the village and shoppers.

However, some vehicles are being left there on an almost permanent basis, including one that is untaxed and has no MOT. Councillors warn that SHDC has been notified and that such vehicles may be removed.

At the time the car park was leased, there was a belief that the Parish Council may be able to purchase it permanently from SHDC. However, the District Council has now indicated that it does not wish to sell the car park. Parish councillors are considering asking parishioners via the parish newsletter whether they believe that leasing the car park is an effective use of its resources, in view of the fact that the number of available parking spaces is limited and there are ongoing costs associated with managing the car park, including repairing a large pot hole that has recently appeared.

If it were to terminate its lease, the Parish Council believes that SHDC may take over the running of the car park and that the village might lose its free parking facility. If the car park were to close altogether, there would be further pressure on on-street parking which is already causing problems.

During the same meeting, Parish Councillors expressed their concerns about possible damage to the cobbles in Wellington Square caused by vehicles reversing onto them or parking. Councillors fear that this could result in accident or injury and believe that a strategically placed granite planter might help to deter people from parking in this area without detracting from its aesthetic appeal.

They have issued an appeal to local people to ask if anyone might have a heavy granite planter that they are willing to donate. They also intend to write to residents in the cottages adjoining the square asking them to avoid parking on the cobbles.

In a separate agenda item, councillors discussed if anything can be done to support traders in the village, as anecdotal evidence suggest there has been a downturn in trade since the village lost its bank and post office. This has been carried forward as an agenda item to the next Parish Council meeting on March, 26. Members of the public are welcome to attend.