FORMER county councillor, Don Rule believes Ledbury has a growing parking problem, where parking up on pavements in residential streets has become the norm.

And Mr Rule believes the problem will only get worse when major new estates are built, to the north and south of the town.

Ledbury residents have given an overwhelming response on social media this week, in support of Mr Rule's comments.

He said: "It's the norm now for people to park up on pavements, and the situation will only get worse. I wonder why people are doing it. There may be nowhere else to park.

"This situation will only cause more problems in the future."

Ledbury people appear to strongly agree.

Posting on the Voice of Ledbury facebook site, Janet Morris said: "I think the problem is also no policing; why don’t the traffic wardens do the outskirts of town and book the people parked on double yellows, on pavements, on junctions, over peoples driveways - they would have a field day!"

Joanne James said the situation could have tragic consequences.

She said: "Mabel's Furlong, by the John Masefield High School, is an utter nightmare at certain times of the day.

"It's an accident waiting to happen with the amount of kids that walk ,drive or come via bus to school. Inconsiderate drivers park in front of drives,on corners and on pavements."

Jen Davis agrees that something needs to be done.

She said: "Parking is a joke in Ledbury; there pavements are covered with cars making it a danger to not only drivers but walkers.

"The simple fact is there is not enough parking; housing estates get put up without a thought for parking. It’s a disaster."

Raymond Edge had concerns about access for emergency vehicles.

He said: " Try driving an ambulance and fire engine up Bank Crescent."

On the Ledbury Reporter website on Facebook, Bridget Weatherdon said: "On some roads such as Bank Crescent and Homend Crescent, if any emergency vehicles called they would have a problem getting through. There is also a problem with cars parked right on the corner of roads, making it difficult to see when pulling out."

But other residents asked what motorists in need of long stay parking are supposed to do.

Russ Smith said: "Where do people suggest folks park? I'm pretty sure people don't park on the pavements and streets out of spite."

Some residents pointed the finger of blame at car park charges in town.

Kelly Pearson said: "If all the town centre car parks were cheaper for town workers, they would use them. No one wants to pay £20 a week if working full time."

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said parking need had been a consideration when planning for major new housing provision to the north of the viaduct, in accordance with the county's planning blueprint, the Core Strategy.

The spokesman said: "Parking is a consideration when developments are planned and the new housing estate will have parking spaces in accordance with Herefordshire Council’s highway design standards.”