MUST admit I do have some sympathy with the letter in last week’s Advertiser that expressed frustration about the new parking scheme in and around Floral Way.

The fundamental problem has been that of parents parking in the roads near to the schools and blocking driveways. I have even heard about a few heated exchanges between residents and parents, although thankfully they are few and far between.

Councillors living locally have had some successes.

They have overseen the introduction of white lines specifically to stop parking that blocks drives in Beech, Cedar and Holly Walk.

Residents living there were very supportive of these changes.

However, problems have persisted across the Floral Way area and Test Valley carried out a resident’s survey a couple of years ago and held an exhibition at the Burghclere Down Community Centre. There were four proposals, all looking to improve safety for children and both residents and parents had their say.

Some residents decided that they did not want to be part of the scheme. Hazel Close was one such area. The council listened and they are excluded from it.

The new parking spaces by the Hexagon stores as well as the marked up spaces in the parking bays round the back are part of the county council’s Park and Stride scheme. I heard an advert on the local radio station and there have been a number of events, including at ASDA Andover to distribute booklets about it.

There is also a website www.myjourneyhampshire.

com where more details can be found.

With regards to parking permits, yes, I too would like to see greater flexibility for residents here.

However, this has been resisted due to established procedures and because the administration of such an individual scheme would prove difficult.

And, finally, I would urge caution when voting for any candidate next year because if they promise you that they have an answer they almost certainly don’t understand the question!

David Drew, Andover