OVERCROWDING of parked cars in parts of Bourtreehill and Broomlands are causing a “safety hazard” to residents young and old.

That’s according to Irvine Councillor John Easdale, of the Irvine East ward, who believes the issue in the areas are causing problems and claims that North Ayrshire Council have already said they will take no action as long as no more than 50 per cent of the residents are council tenants.

Councillor Easdale does not believe either of the areas meet that requirement but still believes that the situation needs to be addressed.

He said: “Built around 1975, the residential schemes of Bourtreehill and Broomlands were influenced by a Spanish type design and provided sufficient parking spaces needed 40 years ago.

“Nowadays, there are 5,200 people who are aged 18 or more who live in both these areas, many live in small streets and cul-de-sacs where in the evening finding a parking space is hard to find within the street.

“In some areas residents have resorted to marking an area, originally designed for multi-use now as private parking. Some others have marked off disabled bays in one small cul-de-sac, leaving six parking bays taken away from public access in this way.

“In at least four cul-de-sacs, residents have resorted in parking on and around an island circle in the street and this causes complaints amongst other residents as it is a safety hazard and makes it difficult for council lorries and large vehicles to navigate round.

“In most cases, additional parking could be constructed by either taking away or reducing the central island, creating another parking area behind the houses with an access from the road or just by taking away bushes and some trees in the street.

“North Ayrshire Council will only consider taking action if 50 per cemt or more residents are council tenants, as costs would be paid from the housing budget.

“I do not believe there are any streets in these two areas that have anywhere near this percentage. So it continues, with the council taking no action to combat this problem.” When we spoke to the council about Mr Easdale’s concerns, a North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “The council is aware of parking issues in the Bourtreehill and Broomlands areas and seeks to address them whenever possible.

“Recent guidance requires local authorities to ensure that Housing Revenue Account assets, including financial resources, are used to benefit present or prospective council tenants, across Scotland, including many areas in North Ayrshire.

“The council is currently considering how we can address estate management issues while ensuring the best interests of our council tenants are met.”