By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A part of Gloucester has been dubbed “Little Beirut” after large concrete blocks were “dumped” to stop parking on grassy areas.
Residents have raised concerns about the blocks which have been installed to stop cars mounting the pavement in Mount Street and parking on the grass.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Hempsted and Westgate), who represents that part of the city at Gloucestershire County Council, wants to see the “eyesore” removed.
She said the move is extremely disrespectful to residents and residents are likening it to the Lebanese capital.
“It’s being called ‘Little Beirut’,” she said. “Not a good look for a residential area that’s in the city centre.”
She has met with officers since they were installed and shady she has been reassured it is a temporary solution to stop parking and vehicles being abandoned there.
“I want to ensure that these huge concrete blocks don’t just get left there for indefinite as it is a total eyesore. It is also extremely disrespectful to all residents living in the area.
“A permanent, aesthetic solution needs to be found to stop vehicles from parking on this open space and not one that involves gigantic concrete blocks. It beggars belief that the county council actually thought this was acceptable and that no one would bat an eyelid.
“They were very, very wrong”.
Since first raising the issue, the blocks have been painted with crosses of St George on them.
“I believe they are going to be temporarily painted green to merge with the grass and for some further plans to be drawn up for a permanent solution,” she said.
“It is important however that a permanent solution is found as soon as possible.”
Shire Hall deputy leader Colin Hay (LD, All Saints and Oakley) said they acted after police reports that untaxed vehicles were being parked illegally on the grass verge at Mount Street.
“We acted as quickly as possible to deal with the issue by placing concrete blocks at the site as a temporary measure to prevent further misuse until such time a permanent resolution can be agreed,” he said.
“A site meeting took place on Tuesday October 14 with the County Council’s Estates Manager, Cllr Trimnell and local residents to discuss ideas for a permanent solution to secure the site.
“We are actively working with Cllr Trimnell and the local residents to find a long-term solution for the site which is both fit for purpose and suitable to best meet the needs of the community.”