Council taking action to protect access for visitors to Kilkenny Lane Country Park

The District Council owns and maintains Kilkenny Lane Country Park as a free and accessible green space for the community. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of misuse of the car park, including overnight parking, camping, barbecues and littering. These activities have at times significantly reduced parking availability for visitors and led to additional management and clean-up work. 

To address this, the Council’s Executive has agreed to formally include the car park within the Council’s Off-Street Parking Places Order. The proposed measures include introducing a 6-hour maximum stay within any 12-hour period to prevent vehicles being left in the car park for extended periods and blocking bays. 

Clear signage would be installed stating that camping and sleeping are not permitted within the car park, and vehicles contravening the terms and conditions may be issued with penalty charge notices. 

The car park will also be added to the existing patrol rota for Enforcement Officers, with no additional resources required. 

These proposals will now be subject to public consultation before any changes are formally implemented. Following consultation, the Council will consider any responses received before formalising arrangements. 

Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment, said: 

“Kilkenny Lane Country Park is an important community space that we are proud to own and look after. It is a very popular spot that provides residents with access to nature, fresh air and opportunities to stay active. 

"By bringing the car park into our parking order, we can introduce clear and proportionate measures to ensure it is available for local people and visitors to access the country park - and to help protect the site as a space for recreation, nature and wellbeing."