CHARD firefighters were held up for around four minutes on their way to an incident by an 'incorrectly parked car'.

They have appealed for motorists to park more considerately after they were delayed on their way to the incident in South Street, Axminster, yesterday (Thursday).

The Chard crew were among firefighters from Axminster, Charmouth and Bridport sent to the scene shortly after 4pm.

It involved "a live high voltage electrical cable entanglement involving a lorry".

The lorry driver was forced to stay in his vehicle for safety reasons and the road was cordoned off for a period.

A spokesperson for Chard Fird Station said: "Chard appliance was delayed going to this incident at South Street, Axminster, for approximately 3/4 minutes.

"This was due to a parked car not parking correctly on the sides the road. Please when parking your car, just think to yourself, could emergency vehicles get through."

A spokesperson for Axminster Fire Station said: "Our firefighters were mobilised to an incident at Abbey Gate involving a lorry and electrical wires.

"Chard Fire Station were also mobilised to this incident who were significantly delayed as a vehicle was obstructing South Street.

"The fire appliance was unable to get through until the vehicle was moved.

"Every second counts when responding to an emergency. Please consider not only our fire appliances but all emergency vehicles when parking your vehicles."