ILLEGAL parking around the historic Coventry Cathedral has sparked outrage with a local resident.
Irene Shannon voiced her frustration over the ‘disrespect’ shown to both the cathedral and the city’s people, as cars continue to block pathways leading to the building.
The 82-year-old told The Observer that drivers had been parking illegally around the cathedral and Britannia Square for months – with cars even encroaching on grass areas, the bottom steps leading to the entrance, and underneath the cathedral’s archway.
This has created problems for visitors by blocking access to the cathedral from one of its key entrances.
Irene said: “It is supposed to be a garden, not a car park, and the cars are parked so close together, you can’t get between them.
“It’s especially difficult for those of us with mobility issues. It’s completely unacceptable and something needs to be done.
“These drivers have no respect for the cathedral or the people of Coventry.”
She believes the parking issue comes from the lack of nearby car parks for guests staying at a nearby hotel or people living near the green.
Irene said the Salt Lane car park – one of the closest public car parks – frequently has a malfunctioning lift, making it unusable for people with disabilities.
As a result, drivers are opting to park illegally around the cathedral, leaving little to no room for pedestrians.
Irene urged the council to take action and prevent further damage to the grounds.
She added: “I was horrified when I saw the cars on a recent trip to the city.
“I have lived in Coventry my whole life and I loved it. Unfortunately it is not the same place now and people don’t have the same respect for the area as they used to.”
A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said: “We have been made aware of this issue, and our teams are now working with the landowner to arrange for bollards to be installed.”
