ALMOST half of households in the older parts of Axbridge do not have parking and 70 per cent of visitors to homes in the town use car parks.

ALMOST half of households in the older parts of Axbridge do not have parking and 70 per cent of visitors to homes in the town use car parks.

These are the results of a survey carried out by Axbridge Action Group, after the possible closure of Meadow Street car park was announced.

The 100-strong survey was sent out to residents in West Street, High Street, St Marys Street, Moorland Street and The Square and showed the average household in these areas has two cars.

In a letter to Sedgemoor District Council, which was accompanied by a petition with more than 600 signatures, group members called the proposals 'short sighted and simplistic'.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "The lack of public transport means that people need cars not only for work but for shopping, taking children to school etc. The consequences of this are that the car park is mainly used by residents after 6pm and at weekends.

"Axbridge has narrow roads and compact street features and has problems accommodating vehicles. Currently the short stay parking restrictions in The Square are not policed. If they were, then usage of Meadow Street car park would undoubtedly increase."

The group has also put up posters around the town encouraging people to oppose the sale.