EMBATTLED residents are calling for a disc parking zone to be extended outside their homes as the only way to combat gridlock.

Householders in South End, Bedale, say the problems outside their homes are caused by increasing numbers of bigger cars and traffic enforcement elsewhere in the town which is creating chaos on one of the town’s main roads.

They attended a meeting of Bedale town council to appeal for support for the controversial disc zone area, which covers a large part of the town centre, to be extended to outside their homes.

But hey were warned they would have to buy residents permits, and it could mean they would not be able to park outside their homes as well as being issued with fines if vehicles were not properly parked.

Householder Ian Watkins said they accepted there were potential problems but added: "We have a situation now where we are gridlocked. Ten years ago residents could park with ease but the introduction of the disc parking has sent people from the disc zone to the surrounding areas. People are avoiding car parking charges so they come to South End.”

He said there were also reports that local businesses were taking up two parking spaces to make room for friends and colleagues arriving at a later time, when the cars would be moved.

County councillor John Weighell said it also appeared there were more cars which were getting longer and overhanging into the road and the pavement.

Currently vehicles are parked sideways, but householders were told it would probably mean they would have to go end-to-end, meaning less parking spaces.

Cllr Weighell said highways had to investigate but had informally backed the idea if there was support.