JOHN Savile today said he was "optimistic" of finally winning his 16-month battle to be able to park next to his Landseer Road home.As revealed in the Evening Star on May 22, he is involved in a row with Ipswich Borough Council about a small piece of land that he believes should be his.

JOHN Savile today said he was "optimistic" of finally winning his 16-month battle to be able to park next to his Landseer Road home.

As revealed in the Evening Star on May 22, he is involved in a row with Ipswich Borough Council about a small piece of land that he believes should be his.

Mr Savile, 53, has trouble walking and has to park on the other side of the street before crossing a busy road even though there is a piece of disused land at the side of his home.

Karen Loweman, tenancy services manager for Ipswich Council, met with Mr Savile after the Star had highlighted his plight.

Mr Savile said: "She came to see me and from the meeting, I am optimistic. She has no problem with me having that piece of land.

"She has to write to my immediate neighbours and the people over the road to say that I'm going to have that bit of land and do they object?"

If no objections are received from the six neighbours then work could start by the end of the month. The borough council will also be talking to their legal department about adding the piece of land to Mr Savile's deeds.

He would then pay for a drop kerb to be installed and for some paving slabs, that are currently blocking the area, to be removed. The only expense the council would have to pay is to put up a fence and Mr Savile would then be able to park next to his home and avoid crossing the busy road.

He said: "I have got really good neighbours and I do not see anyone objecting.

"I am not counting my chickens yet but once it is writing, then I will be celebrating."

"Once I get my teeth into something I do not let go."

An Ipswich Council spokeswoman said: "We have been to see Mr Savile and we are reconsidering his request. We are doing some consultations with people in the neighbourhood to see if there are any objections.

"We are fairly hopeful we will get something that is a reasonable compromise and that all people will be happy with."

n If you have a story from the south east of Ipswich then contact Michael Emons on 01473 324797, send an e-mail to michael.emons@eveningstar.co.uk or write to the Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.