TODAY the no-win solution to an Ipswich estate's parking crisis is destined – but no-one is celebrating.Rival petitioners on the Australia estate have been fighting a ten-year battle to solve the chronic parking congestion caused by the Ipswich Hospital overflow but they have met an unsavoury stalemate.

TODAY the no-win solution to an Ipswich estate's parking crisis is destined – but no-one is celebrating.

Rival petitioners on the Australia estate have been fighting a ten-year battle to solve the chronic parking congestion caused by the Ipswich Hospital overflow but they have met an unsavoury stalemate.

The final rubber stamping by the council of a plan to introduce a mix of double and single yellow lines in parts of the estate had been met with unhappiness from both sides of the row.

Martin Cunnell, of Adelaide Road, expressed his displeasure after failing to stop any yellow lines with a 200-signature petition.

And even David Garrod, of Tasmania Road, who has fought for ten years for restrictions throughout the estate, has branded it a "piecemeal" solution.

Some parts of Adelaide Road, Brisbane Road, Tasmania Road, Canberra Close and Camberley Road will have a total ban with double lines.

Single yellow lines – which prevent parking between 8am and 6pm – will be placed in parts of Adelaide Road and Tasmania Road.

There will be a trial period of six months before a review.

Following the borough council executive committee's decision Mr Garrod said: "I was disappointed.

"I think it was clear the decision was predetermined. They (the councillors) haven't listened to what I have been saying. They acknowledge that I have been asking for ten years but they have put in half measures."

Because some roads, including his own, will only have one side covered by lines, Mr Garrod argues this will still allow parked cars to block residential driveways.

The measures haven't pleased Mr Cunnell either. He fears the lines will only shift the problem to the north of the estate.

He said: "I am not happy the lines are going down, but it is one of those things."

The factions are fighting a united front on one issue, however – that the root of the problem lies with the Heath Road hospital.

Both men have the backing of residents and councillors in their quest to force the hospital to reveal their long-term strategy for parking.

In December, Mr Cunnell wrote to the chairman of Ipswich Hospital, Christine Smart, demanding to know when they would release their plans and whether a multi-storey car park would be included.

Ms Smart replied: "We are currently investigating further ways in which we can increase capacity on site. The Trust does not seek to encourage staff or visitors to the hospital to park in the surrounding community."

She added that a transport strategy will be submitted as part of the full planning application for the Garrett Anderson development this month or in February.

What do you think about the decision? Call Simon Tomlinson on 01473 324838 or e-mail him at simon.tomlinson@eveningstar.co.uk