'Considerate parking' plea after problems during funerals at South Tyneside crematorium

Coun Margaret Peacock, who represents the Bede ward, claims parking issues often cause problems for residents of the nearby Broseley Estate.

She said during busy services, vehicles are reported blocking private drives and being left on double yellow lines.

Although South Tyneside Council recently extended the crematorium car park to tackle demand, Coun Peacock has said parking issues remain.

And she has now urged the public to think before they park.

“I would like to ask the members of the public who are going to attend services at South Tyneside Crematorium to please park considerately,” she said.

“Residents of the Broseley Estate have major problems with access on days when there are largely attended funerals.

“Cars park on grass verges, double yellow lines and even across peoples drives.”

She added: “Recently we have increased the amount of parking bays at the facility, and put double yellow lines at the entrance to the estate, but people are still parking illegally.

“I know that this is a sensitive time for people attending funerals, but gaining access for the emergency services is imperative.

“What if the fire brigade or an ambulance can’t get through?”

In recent years, the council approved plans for an extra 30 spaces, including extra disabled parking, at the crematorium site off John Reid Road.

The scheme aimed to make it easier for mourners and visitors to park but also to alleviate parking problems on nearby streets.

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman added: ”We extended the car park and installed markings at the crematorium three years ago to create a total of 67 parking spaces.

“This has gone some way towards alleviating on-road parking problems and issues with parking in nearby residential streets.

“However, we recognise that there are still parking issues for local residents at well-attended funerals.

“On these occasions, we would urge people to park safely and considerately.”