RUSSELLS Hall residents are celebrating after Dudley Council approved new restrictions to deter inconsiderate hospital parkers.

People living in Abbotsford Drive have been calling for double yellow lines in their street for many years because their road has been blighted by motorists attempting to avoid charges at the nearby medical centre.

Residents complained motorists blocked their drives, parked on footpaths and made turning in the cul-de-sac difficult. They also claimed that they suffered frequent abuse from people parking their cars.

A petition signed by everyone who lives in the street was submitted to the council, which has now agreed to implement restrictions within the next few months.

Campaign leader Hazel Waterfield, aged 73, said: “I have lived here for more than 20 years and in recent times the situation had become ridiculous. Every day we were finding it impossible or difficult to get in and out of our drives.

“When I have asked people to move their cars, I have been threatened with violence and told to drop down dead. No-one should have to deal with that.

“I’m thrilled that the council will now put down double yellow lines, it should make our lives easier and happier.”

Cllr Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley cabinet member for transportation, said: “I am delighted that we can provide a sensible solution for the residents in Abbotsford Drive. We listened to their feelings and carefully considered the situation and agreed that the residents needed help to make their lives easier.

“The decision is still subject to recall, allowing members of the public to object, over the next few days, but hopefully no-one will submit any counter arguments, and by next week it will be all systems go.”