Woolwich residents sign petition in row over parking spaces

By Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter

Neighbours in Woolwich are embroiled in a heated row over parking spaces.

Residents claimed a single family have taken up six spots permanently along a narrow street, Edge Hill.

They claim the family’s collection of large vans and cars mean they cannot park their own vehicles near their homes and they have to tell family and friends wanting to visit to park their cars several streets away.

But the neighbour, who only gave his name as Ernie, said they had written permission from the council and were not doing anything wrong.

Abi Junaid, a resident of the narrow road on Woolwich, delivered a petition to the council last month as she urged them to intervene.

She claimed: “We’ve been at it for years. Many people have actually moved out of the area.

“They’ve lived here 40 years and [they think] it’s their hometown, their land, they’re entitled to this, so we can’t come and ask them to modify or adjust to us. We have to adapt to them.”

The irate local added: “Neighbours are more than annoyed. People are just resigned to this now as they say there is nothing they can do. It’s ongoing. Something has to be done.”

Ken Carty, 64, a neighbour of Abi and signatory of the petition, who needs a walking stick to get around, agreed with her. He spoke about his problems getting past the vans due to his disability.

He said: “I went down with Covid-19 last year and just to get into the ambulance, I had to walk [the length] of two vans away to reach a bit of space to get into the ambulance. 

“It’s an ongoing nuisance, and I don’t know how it’s going to work out. It’s unfair because you’ve got these people who have commandeered two thirds of the one road. And it’s very small.”

The family said they believed they were doing nothing wrong. A man who identified himself as Ernie said: “I’ve already been through all this fiasco with the council years ago. I’ve been here 47 years. 

“When we moved in here, we were given written permission to park two seven-and-a-half tonne vehicles. This used to be a one-way road.

“The vehicles out there are all private hire goods vehicles. Also there’s five drivers in this house so there’s no problem. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Ernie refused to answer any follow-up questions.

A Greenwich council spokeswoman said: “We were made aware of this issue, which was brought to the highways committee following a petition from the residents of Edge Hill.

“The council is committed to consult residents on the parking issues and explore the possibility of resident permit parking control. We will be writing to residents in the coming weeks.”

Pictured top: Abi Junaid in front of one of the vehicles (image: Kiro Evans)