TOWN councillors have been urged to take up the issue of inconsiderate parking, making certain areas of Ilminster “no-go” zones.

At the first meeting of the new council, members heard from an aggrieved resident who voiced his concerns over the vehicles which he says “litter” the town, causing constant headaches for motorists and residents alike.

Though responsibility for highways matters lies with Somerset County Council, Colin Bailey, of Highfield, asked the town council what, if anything, it can do about the problem.

He said: “Ilminster’s plagued with irresponsible parking. Drivers park in disabled bays, inside chevrons on crossings, and in Canal Way and New Road.

“They park on double yellow lines, particularly outside Retail Therapy in Silver Street.

“It’s even worse in the evenings when commercial vehicles litter the town; why these people park in the street is beyond me.

“Presumably there’s no yard or car park at their place of work, so they park for nothing in our streets, blocking half the carriageway.

“Cllr Linda Vijeh will have informed you that my car was ‘written off ’ due to irresponsible parking in Canal Way two weeks ago.

“School buses and coaches, it makes no difference, they all do it.

“Also, the junction of New Road and Highfield has almost become a no go area.

“What action can, or will, you take?”

Mr Bailey was told the issues, along with wider parking matters in the town, would be considered by the new members of the planning, highways and transport committee.