Car wars have broken out on a narrow back street near a town’s railway station.
Commuters using Mirfield Railway Station are lining one side of Back Station Road, causing problems for residents in the recently-built Southbrook Gardens opposite.
Works are underway to improve the unadopted road and one resident has sparked further anger by insisting on parking directly outside his home, causing a potential blockage.
Matters came to a head on Tuesday when a lorry coming up the road couldn’t get through and the driver refused to move.
A stand-off followed and, with cars backing up both ways, police were called. Eventually the lorry driver backed up and the road was cleared.
Resident Sarah Cook told how tempers flared and she called police.
“I rang the police as the lorry driver refused to move,” she said. “He argued that he had been using the road long before the houses were built. I insisted he reverse, which he eventually did. Thanks to the police.”
In another twist residents have also taken to social media to complain about cars being deliberately damaged.
It is understood that developers secured permission for Southbrook Gardens on condition they brought Back Station Road up to standard. Pavements are currently being built on both sides, adding to the nightmare.
Mirfield Railway Station, which has a direct link to London, has become increasingly busy over the last two years and the car park is too small to cope.
As well as parking in Back Station Road, commuters have lined both sides of the main Station Road meaning two cars can barely pass.
Councillors are lobbying hard for station improvements, including a new car park.
Mayor of Mirfield and driving instructor Clr Vivien Lees-Hamilton said she had sympathy for both sides but said people had a duty not to cause a potential danger to others.
“I understand the frustrations but I would urge people to be more considerate,” she said. “Consideration seems to have gone out of the window.
“There is a junior school at the other end of the road and children do walk to school. Forcing traffic to back up puts other people in danger. No one wants to be responsible for a collision or a death.”
