DANGEROUS and inconsiderate parking by contractors working on a new housing development in Salcombe is an 'accident waiting to happen', according to a resident.

Former town councillor and local taxi driver Roger Clark made the comments last week, after seeing several vehicles parked on the grass verge opposite the entrance to Bloor Homes' Batson High View development.

Mr Clark also witnessed a resident with mobility difficulties being unable to use the path to Malborough due to it being blocked by a tradesman's van.

The area in question is adjacent to a crossroads, Batson Cross, and is also close to the point where the cycle and footpath to Malborough crosses the A381.

Speaking last Friday, Mr Clark said: 'Earlier today one van had completely blocked the path and an elderly ­resident in a mobility scooter was unable to cross the

road to use the path to Malborough.

'This path is used all day, every day by a wide range of the community, from mums with buggies and dogs

to schoolchildren cycling

and walking to school – everybody.

'The vans make the whole area dangerous to everyone – pedestrians and cyclists – as well as obscuring vision for motorists.

'With two weeks to the start of the silly season, can we stop this selfish parking before we have cars parked all along the verge to Malborough and actually have the accident that is waiting to happen.'

Town councillor Jane Clark, who uses a wheelchair, agreed that the vans blocking the view of the road were a problem.

She said: 'I have to really hope and edge slowly into the road to look if it's clear – very scary.'

Mr Clark noted that the development is supposed to offer parking for 40 cars and is next to the town's park-and-ride public car park.

But Elaine Hodgin, a spokesperson for Clarkson Evans, one of the companies whose vans were spotted parked on the verge, said a height barrier on the car park prevented them using it.

'We've investigated this matter thoroughly and ­spoken to all our staff about the issue of parking considerately,' said Ms Hodgin. 'Parking on the development site is severely limited and as a result we've contacted Salcombe Town Council

to see whether it would be ­prepared to remove the overhead height barrier from a nearby public car park to make it easier for our staff to park safely.

'We'll continue to work with local residents and the developer to try to resolve this issue.'

Bloor Homes said: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the parking of our subcontractors and

we have reminded them of

our policies regarding safe parking.'

Police said that when they have asked the contractors to move, they have 'cooperated fully', and Sergeant Dave Green pointed out that there is a difference between inconsiderate and illegal parking.

'For the parking to be an offence,' he said, 'there must be a physical obstruction of the highway or footpath, such that other road users can't pass along it. This includes boat trailers and caravans sticking out of driveways and blocking the pavement.

'In these circumstances police can take action, which may include warning or reporting the driver.

'Even if not strictly an offence, examples of inconsiderate parking may cause congestion, visibility problems or make manoeuvring difficult for others.

'In deciding what action

to take, police will always ­consider the impact on ­public safety.'