AN ONLINE group has been formed in frustration at people parking illegally next to a cashpoint and causing traffic problems in a Suffolk town.

Elliot Furniss

AN ONLINE group has been formed in frustration at people parking illegally next to a cashpoint and causing traffic problems in a Suffolk town.

Phil Wright, from Needham Market, started the group on social networking site Facebook to shame the “lazy” people who park up next to Barclays Bank in Barrett's Lane.

The “Stop illegal parking outside Barratts(sic) Lane cashpoint!” group, launched earlier this year, now has nearly 100 supporters and was even discussed by members of Needham Market Town Council at its meeting this week.

In his introduction on the webpage, Mr Wright says: “How lazy do you have to be to park directly outside the cashpoint in Barrett's Lane, Needham Market?

“There are loads of parking spaces a few footsteps away but no, that's too far for some lazy folk - they have to park on the double yellow lines.

“It's illegal, dangerous and inconsiderate, yet it happens all the time. Enough is enough; every time I see an illegally-parked vehicle I will photograph and post it on here.”

The site shows three photographs of people parking outside the cashpoint and more than 20 comments have been left on the message board.

Laura Collins wrote: “I find it so annoying when people park here! Especially at lunchtime when Needham is as busy enough as it is.”

Barbara Firman added: “I wonder if they have legs? An accident waiting to happen.”

However, not everybody using Facebook agrees with Mr Wright - Kenny Kennedy left a message telling him to “get a grip” and start worrying about some “more important stuff”.

Parking problems are one of the regular topics discussed by town councillors at their fortnightly meetings and on Wednesday night news of the Facebook group was welcomed by members.

The wider discussion centred on parking problems caused by people leaving their cars on the High Street for the entire working day - despite there being three free car parks in the town.

It was agreed that discussions would be held with the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team about a possible “blitz” on those responsible for the problem parking, which causes considerable congestion at peak times.