A CLEAR white marking has been painted at a vehicle access in Cross Roads to ensure it is no longer blocked by parked vehicles.

The white line was painted by Bradford Council highways officers outside the Almshouses accommodation, which is off Haworth Road. Drivers have now been warned not to obstruct the entrance.

The line was put in place following a complaint first made to Worth Valley ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen during spring of this year.

"One of the ladies who lives in the Alms Houses is over 90-years-old, and I'd been approached by her son," she said. "His mother has a carer who needs to visit her a few times each day, but the only access was being blocked by people parking there.

"It is the only vehicle entrance to the Alms Houses, but it was being used for parking by people visiting the shops.

"There are quite a few elderly people living there who have health professionals needing to visit them, so it's very important that the route isn't obstructed. People should not be parking across it."

Coun Poulsen said the district council highways department acted after she informed them of the problem, adding that she had so far not received further complaints since the white line was painted last month.

"I check on the entrance every time I go past, and I think it's now quite obvious that it's not meant for parking," she added.

"It does to seem to be being left clear, so the line is doing its job. I am pleased to have been able to help, and it's only by going out, speaking to people and raising these issues that I can help get these things done."

She said she hoped motorists would continue to respect the new marking, adding that she did not believe that roadside parking elsewhere in Cross Roads was currently a major problem.

"I do get the odd call about it, and people do need to park sensibly, but we have to strike a balance," she said.

"If we put double yellow lines down everywhere that would affect local businesses.

"Also, people would drive faster if they didn't have to avoid the parked cars. These do seem to help slow cars down, it would become a bit like a racetrack otherwise."