RESIDENTS of a narrow cul-de-sac are a step closer to having parking problems resolved.

Southend Council’s traffic and working party agreed to allow councillors and officers to identify ways of resolving parking problems around Holland Road and nearby streets, in Westcliff.

Jonathan Garston, Tory councillor responsible for planning, put forward a petition from campaigners calling for a permit parking scheme for residents.

He said: “I really want to see help for the residents in this area because of the stress that has been caused by the parking situation.”

Labour councillor Julian Ware Lane expressed concerns about the scheme proposed by the campaigners. He said: “By granting their wish, it could actually increase the residents’ misery. I am almost convinced it will end up with them only being able to park on one side of the road.”

Tory councillor Tony Cox, committee chairman, said: “If we only have a parking scheme in Holland Road, it’s going to disperse issues into neighbouring roads which are already congested.”