Students 'use Townhill streets like a giant car park'
SWANSEA students are using the streets of Townhill as a giant car park, residents claim.
Fed-up members of the community say that during term time, roads are jammed with cars belonging to students from Swansea Metropolitan, Swansea College and even Swansea University.
Pantycelyn Road resident Raulph Tadman said: "It has been going on for a long time and nobody at these establishments gives two hoots."
The 82-year-old added: "I can't park outside my own house, nobody visits me because there is nowhere to park.
"When the students are coming out of college you can't move on the road.
"The problem has been made worse by the fact that campuses are charging students for parking.
"They say they are only interested in providing education and not parking, but in truth they want to make some money."
Swansea Council said it was aware of problems surrounding Townhill Road and Pantycelyn Road, which lie near both the Swansea College campus and Swansea Metropolitan University campus.
A spokesman for the authority said: "Laybys have been introduced to increase on-street parking.
"Dedicated parking bays are usually introduced in areas where there is little or no off-street parking.
"This is not the case in Townhill Road, where the majority of houses have off- street parking."
But according to taxi driver Peter Harris, who lives in Pantycelyn Road, the problem is getting out of hand.
He said: "It is ridiculous, whenever I finish a shift I simply cannot park my car.
"Why would the college campuses not provide enough parking spaces for the students who use them?
"They are using our streets like a car park."
The Metropolitan University in Townhill charges students for parking.
But nobody at the campus was available for comment on the claims about Townhill.
A spokesman for Swansea College said: "Swansea College does experience problems from time to time with parking as we only have limited spaces available on site.
"We encourage staff and students to use public transport, or to walk or cycle to college if they can, and we operate a successful bike purchase scheme for staff.
"If, however, staff and students do have to park on surrounding streets they are advised at all times to park legally and with consideration towards our neighbours. The penalties for not doing this are frequently pointed out."
A spokesperson at Swansea University added: "The university makes every effort to ensure that cars are parked legally. Where an offence is committed and reported, the relevant authorities ensure appropriate action is taken."
sion.morgan@swwmedia.co.uk
37 Comments
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by john, swansea
Tuesday, March 23 2010, 6:30AM
“why are they complaining surly theres now a better choice of car to steel”
by Nosey Parker, Swansea
Monday, March 22 2010, 3:01PM
“Dave Platt, Clase - Neither you nor Ray Welsby, has actually answered the questions I posed! Also, isn't there parking problems near the DVLA, due to the DVLA staff parking in a residential area!? Is your pal Ray Welsby, ignoring similar problems in another area, by not criticising the students or their Educational Institution!? Or is it Politically Correct to have double standards!?
Whether Ray Welsby should or should not have been re-elected for his Ward, is a matter for people of that Ward, to address (or not address) at the next Local Council Elections. It is called Democracy, Dave!”
by Fisherman, at home
Sunday, March 21 2010, 3:37PM
“Thanks Heather,
I will give you a heads up next time if you fancy making me a cuppa while I park?”
by Dave Platt, Clase
Sunday, March 21 2010, 11:07AM
“Nosey Parker,
I agree with Ray Welsby this man does a lot for Clase and we know in Clase about these horses,But the council take no notice or the police.These issues are raised at Pact meetings,so Ray Welsby does know what he is talking about because he is a regular attender when these issues are raised.The people of Clase made a big mistake when they did not re elect this man,but still we have learnt from our mistake.”
by Heather, Mumbles
Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:33PM
“Hiiiiiiiiiiiii Fisherman, Heading down to Mumbles to fish; how are you?
You don't have to be nice not to obstruct a driveway - it's illegal; we've had plenty towed away by the police in the past. Must say they have never let us down, are out immediately to book the offenders and hire the tow trucks to take em away xxxx TIGHT LINES!”
by Bill the builder, Swansea
Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:02PM
“I'd also like to add that the students have more right to park there than the residents, its going to be their future taxes that pays for these people to live.
The townhill residents should be thanking the students and the tax payer for paying for their houses”
by Bill the builder, Swansea
Saturday, March 20 2010, 8:57PM
“The students have my complete support, the more problems they cause in townhill the better.
Its nice to see the frail OAP that spends his saturdays hurling abuse at "goths" having to walk to his house
How can these so called people expect sympathy?”
by Nosey Parker, Swansea
Saturday, March 20 2010, 5:51PM
“Ray Welsby, Clase Morriston - If horses are being brought to Clase from Townhill, how do you know they came from Townhill!? Have they got, 'I am from Townhill', tatooed under the Horses Mane!? Secondly Ray, if these Horses have been left tethered in Clase without Water and Feed, then surely, this is a matter that should be reported to the RSPCA and the Police for them to take the appropriate actions!?”
by Ray Welsby, Clase Morriston
Saturday, March 20 2010, 5:23PM
“I have read these comments from residents of Townhill. I notice that some residents from Townhill bring their horses to Clase tether them on chains with no water or feed and leave them surely this is worse than cars being parked. Perhaps these people who complain will address this situation with in their community before critisising students who park in their cars.”
by Fisherman, Heading down to Mumbles to fish
Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:07AM
“Hi Heather,
We do it all the time - Especially when we go fishing. You have to be sneaky but you can do it.
Of course, being nice, I try my best not to park over drive ways.”