Vets ban public parking

The new owners of the Turk’s Head pub site in Balderton have decided to stop the public parking there.

They say they have been forced to make the decision because of the inconsiderate behaviour of some of those using the carpark.

In future unauthorised vehicles will be clamped.

Notices telling motorists of their decision have been put on cars using the carpark this week.

Mr Jonathan Newman and Miss Jane Watters from Newman Watters Veterinary Surgery on Bowbridge Road, Newark, have been given planning permission to convert the pub into a new surgery. Their business has outgrown its current premises.

The Turk’s Head has a large carpark that is used by people visiting the shops and post office on Main Street.

Balderton parish councillors had hoped that residents would be allowed to continue to park there.

The new owners said they were keen to support the village by allowing free parking and had done so for the past two months, but the access was often blocked.

“The volume of cars coming and going makes it difficult to get in given the roadworks nearby,” they say.

“This has hindered access for contractors involved in the refurbishment and there are often vehicles parked for days on end.”

They say there has also been vandalism, litter and broken glass on the area and they are concerned it could have health and safety implications for staff and clients.

The chairman of Balderton Parish Council, Mrs Angela Jarvis, told the amenities committee on Wednesday that motorists had used the area with respect in the past.

She said if people realised the building had been sold they might have taken more care.

Members agreed with a suggestion from Mrs Inga Walker that they should not do anything while the owners were carrying out work, but approach them in the future.