AN aspiring politician is helping exasperated residents take a stand against parked cars blocking their roads.

Del Thomas, 30, Conservative candidate for Southend’s Victoria ward, has launched a petition calling for new measures to tackle the problem in Cliff Avenue, Albany Avenue, North Road, Tudor Road and Avebury Avenue, Westcliff.

If Southend Council agrees to consider a scheme, measures introduced could include permit parking, one-way systems, speed bumps or yellow lines.

Mr Thomas, of Durham Road, said: “I compiled a survey to find out how the area could be improved and found out what an issue parking was.

“It is a long-standing problem and I have discovered the council is broadly in favour of doing something about it.”

David Lewis, of North Road, said: “You sometimes have to park three or four streets away during the day and you are frightened to go anywhere in your car.

“I had my house valued the other day and the estate agent told me the lack of parking will knock value off my house.”

Tony Cox, Tory councillor responsible for transport, said a public meeting held with the residents was well attended and people were clearly passionate about the issue.

He added: “I have always said parking is probably the most emotive issue for residents in this town.

“I do understand the concerns people have. I look forward to seeing the petition and we’ll take it from there.”

It is hoped by creating a big petition incorporating all five roads it will have more of an impact on councillors than individual petitions.

More than 160 signatures have been collected, and Mr Thomas is continuing to knock on doors to increase this before he presents the petition to full council on December 15.