‘I’m at my wit’s end’ says Hatfield mum as ambulance blocked by parked cars
An ambulance struggling to get through Holly Close Picture: Julie Simson - Credit: Archant
A Hatfield resident is frustrated by students double-parking on her road after an ambulance struggled to reach an elderly patient suffering from chest pain.
An ambulance struggles to get through Holly Close Picture: Julie Simson - Credit: Archant
The ambulance service was called at 3.43pm on Tuesday, March 15, to Holly Close, Hatfield to help a woman in her 80s.
An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle attended and the woman was taken to Lister Hospital for treatment.
Julie Simson, 49, of Holly Close, said: “We have got four elderly and disabled bungalows at the end of the road.
“The ambulance couldn’t get down to one of the ladies because of the way students park.
Serco struggle to get through Holly Close Picture: Julie Simson - Credit: Archant
“It was freezing cold and they had to wheel her to the ambulance.
“They have double-parked. They park opposite each other and it’s a really narrow road.”
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The following day rubbish collectors were unable to get down the road to collect the bins.
“They had to wheel all the bins down to the end of the road,” Ms Simons said: “We now have a smaller rubbish lorry because the large one can’t get down the road. Some days we are blocked in.”
Ms Simson, who lives in the close with her partner and 19-year-old son, has complained to the university, as well as contacting the council and the police.
She said: “I suggested to the uni that they have free on-site parking for all the students and I was laughed at.
“I also raised it at a community forum and got accused of threatening behaviour. They won’t admit there’s a problem.
“I am at my wit’s end. I spoke to someone at the uni and she said they have nowhere else to park because the park-and-ride is shut overnight.”
Geri Ward, dean of students, said: “The university is committed to maintaining good community relationships and we will be working closely with local residents, police, students, council and local businesses to address the issues that were reported at the last Community Forum regarding parking in the local area.
“We have informed Hertfordshire’s Highways team about concerns regarding parking in Holly Close and the university police team has been issuing tickets to any cars which are found parked illegally in the local area.
“We will continue to encourage students to use the park-and-ride and inform them about spaces on campus where they can park.”
Are you affected by badly parked cars? Email letters@whtimes.co.uk
