By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are urgent calls for a solution “before a serious accident occurs” in a Gloucestershire village which is grappling with worsening parking problems.
Lack of suitable parking and traffic management is leading to congestion in Drybrook in the Forest of Dean, according to parish councillors.
They have repeatedly raised concerns about the condition and management of the public car park next to the pharmacy in Drybrook Road for years.
The Forest of Dean District Council-owned site has poor lighting, lacks marked parking bays and parking management, according to Drybrook Parish Council chairman Dave Middlemiss.
He said there is frustration over the lack of progress in addressing these long-standing issues and is concerned about the emerging situation involving the Memorial Hall car park which is looking to stop allowing parents the free use of their site to drop off and pick up children from the nearby primary school.
“For several years, residents and the parish council have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the condition, management and future of the district council-owned public car park in Drybrook,” Cllr Middlemiss said.
“Despite numerous discussions, requests and meetings, very little meaningful progress has been made.
“Issues raised over time have included poor lighting, the lack of marked parking bays, general deterioration, traffic management concerns and the overall missed opportunity to improve a key facility used daily by residents, visitors and local businesses. Unfortunately, many within the community now feel they are simply being ignored.
“This situation is now becoming increasingly serious due to concerns surrounding the Memorial Hall car park and the potential impact this may have on available parking provision within the village.
“There is growing anxiety locally that Drybrook could soon face significant parking pressures affecting residents, local trade, community events and access to facilities.
“Of particular concern is the impact this is already having around Drybrook junior school during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.
“The lack of suitable parking and traffic management is resulting in congestion, inconsiderate parking and vehicles stopping in unsuitable locations, creating what many residents feel is a serious and worsening road safety risk.
“Parents, children and other pedestrians are regularly having to navigate congested roads and parked vehicles in an area that should be safe during school peak times.
“Residents have increasingly raised concerns that it may only be a matter of time before a serious accident occurs if meaningful action is not taken.
“Many residents are questioning why there appears to be no coordinated plan or urgency from the district council despite the importance of these facilities to the community.”
“This is not simply about parking spaces — it is about the long-term sustainability, safety and support of village infrastructure for the local community.”
Dave Acton, of Drybrook Memorial Hall, said it never used to be an issue but the problems with parking have been getting “worse and worse”.
He said they are considering blocking parents from using the car park from the start of the next academic year.
“One of the problems we’ve got is if the parents come there in the mornings and afternoons and we’ve got something on in the village hall or the club there’s nowhere for our people to park, and that’s paying customers!
“The ones in the car park from the school aren’t.”
He said the situation is “awkward” and doesn’t know what the solution is.
Thomas Henesey, headteacher of Drybrook Primary School, said their priority will always be the safety of our children, families and the wider community.
And said the school recognises that parking and traffic management within the village are longstanding challenges, particularly at school drop-off and collection times.
“We welcome discussions aimed at identifying practical long-term solutions that improve safety and accessibility for everyone,” he said.
“We have been working collaboratively with local representatives, the parish council, county council, community organisations and other stakeholders to explore opportunities to improve parking provision and traffic management within the village, including options that may help alleviate pressure around school collection and drop-off times.
“We are grateful for the constructive engagement that has taken place so far and hope that continued partnership working will help identify sustainable solutions that benefit both the school community and the village as a whole.
“As discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for the school to comment on the decisions of individual organisations.
“Our focus remains on supporting collaborative efforts to improve safety and help find sustainable long-term solutions for the wider village community.”
A district council spokesperson said they understand the concerns being raised locally about parking in Drybrook and recognise the importance of safe, accessible parking particularly around school drop off and pick up times.
“A council representative recently met with the chair of Drybrook Parish Council to discuss the sistrict council-owned car park and the nearby public toilets,” they said.
“We have committed to exploring potential improvements, including external lighting and some grounds maintenance works, and these options are currently being investigated.
“The Memorial Hall car park is not owned or managed by the district council, which limits our ability to influence how it is used. Likewise, responsibility for highways, road safety and traffic management sits with Gloucestershire County Council. We have shared the concerns raised with the County Council so they are aware of the issues being experienced locally.
“The district council‑owned public car park in Drybrook will remain available and free of charge, continuing to support parking provision within the village.
“Drybrook Parish Council has also expressed an interest in potentially taking on ownership and management of the district council car park. This is being considered in the context of ongoing Local Government Reorganisation discussions.
“We are not yet in a position to progress this, but we will continue to engage with parish and town councils as further detail becomes available.”