THE parking situation on Beech Avenue in Pinehurst must be resolved. That is the message from local councillor Derique Montaut who says angry residents contacted him after getting parking tickets while parked on the grass verge along the road.

A special mesh was laid on the verge two years ago so that the cars would not damage the grass and residents have parked there with no problems.

Coun Montaut (Lab, Moredon) says it is ridiculous that the residents were then suddenly given £60 parking tickets. "I am demanding an explanation and asking for the fines to be withdrawn," he said, adding that when the mesh was put down on the verges it really improved the area.

"It was clearly a positive step," he said. "It tidied up the area and it stopped the congestion problems and the irresponsible parking. It has been an improvement."

Swindon Council says it is looking into the complaints.