Calls to remove bollards amid fly-tipping row

Sarah-Jane Tomalin said she had helped maintain the land before the concrete blocks appeared

Residents who have been parking on a grass verge say they were defending their street from fly-tippers, before "eyesore" concrete blocks appeared.

Sarah-Jane Tomalin, who lives on Mount Street in Gloucester, said the new blocks, installed by Gloucestershire County Council, are "horrible".

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell said the appearance of the "eyesore" blocks was disrespectful to residents who had been working hard to take care of the green space.

Colin Hay, deputy leader of the council, said the authority is working with councillor Trimnell and residents to find "a long-term solution for the site".

Mrs Tomalin said the blocks appeared a few weeks ago after she received a letter from the council asking her to move her car.

"We've got rid of fly-tipping, we've maintained the land, we've had people coming in to cut the grass and sort the ivy out," she said.

"We've asked the council many times to help but they refused to admit it was their land so we've just continued to keep on top of it."

The blocks appeared a few weeks ago after residents were asked to move their cars

"It's just horrible and especially for people who live right opposite, they shouldn't have to look at that every day," Mrs Tomalin said.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports councillor Hay said the council acted after police reported that untaxed vehicles were being parked illegally on the grass verge.

But Mrs Tomalin claims all the cars parked there were legally taxed.

Councillor Hay added the council acted "as quickly as possible" to deal with the issue and that a site meeting had taken place with residents, the council's estates manager, and councillor Trimnell to discuss future options.