Moortown: OAP sticks 'fake police notices' on cars
Police are looking for a vigilante pensioner who is leaving official warning notices on illegally parked cars in Moortown.
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Older people living around Queenshill Approach, Moortown, are exasperated at cars clogging up pavements, blocking entrances and preventing access to homes.
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Now the white-haired army is waging a war on the illegal parkers in the busy residential area made up of flats, sheltered accommodation and the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Community Centre.
Police today said they were investigating the reproduction of official police letters, which have been photocopied by an unknown person and left on car windscreens, in a bid to warn off bad parkers.
Great grandmother Vera Bradbury, 78, of Queenshill Approach, said: "Sometimes I cannot get out of my gate because the pavement is blocked by a parked car.
"The police say it is illegal and they will be fined 30 for obstruction. Most of us pensioners don't even drive, yet are blocked in. The letters are no good for us as we don't have cars.
"They are blocking access for wheelchair users, those with mobility problems and parents with prams. We've asked our MP or help."
Police have attended community meetings on the Queenshill estate following complaints and posted letters to all residents explaining that the problem was being treated as a PACT (police and Community Together) priority.
They warned illegal parkers: "If you park your vehicle on a pavement so a wheelchair or pushchair cannot get past; park within 15 feet of a junction; park on a dropped kerb; park blocking a driveway, then you will be issued with a 30 fine for obstruction."
Neighbour Janet Wood, 60, of Queenshill Walk, a founder member of the Queenshill Residents' Association, said: "The parking is unacceptable. I use a wheelchair intermittedly and cannot access the pavement or gates. My husband Stephen uses a wheelchair full-time and we both have trouble.
"Cars are regularly parked in the way. I have suggested bollards, but heard nothing.
"The police were here not so long ago and asked if I knew who had been putting the letters on the parked cars, but I haven't seen anything."
Residents have now complained to MP for north west Leeds Fabian Hamilton.
He said: "I've been contacted by lots of angry residents. It is very selfish of parkers who block access for wheelchair users, prams and elderly people. It is thoughtless.
"There are enough laws being broken for the illegal parkers to be prosecuted."
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We understand residents frustrations regarding inconsiderate and illegal parking but this matter is being addressed and appropriate steps are being taken by the police and Leeds City Council.
"We do not condone the replication of any letter from the police whatever the provocation may be and we are investigating the circumstances of these parking warning letters being reproduced."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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