Residents in the picturesque village of Felton, located near Bristol Airport, have voiced increasing concerns over what they describe as a “menace” caused by airport parking. The surge in airport parking fees has driven many travelers to seek free parking options in the village, leading to a host of problems for local residents.
The influx of vehicles has resulted in significant littering, noise disturbances, and instances of inconsiderate parking. Tensions have escalated to the point where some villagers have reported vandalism, including slashed tires on cars, and have taken on the task of cleaning up litter left behind in lay-bys.
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport acknowledged the issues and mentioned that they are working in collaboration with North Somerset Council to address them. Measures include funding for a planning and parking enforcement officer and organizing community meetings to discuss solutions with residents.
Despite the absence of formal parking restrictions on public roads in Felton, residents have resorted to placing their own signage to discourage parking in certain areas. Dave, a five-year resident, described frequent incidents where holidaymakers returned to find their tires deflated or slashed due to rising local frustration. He recounted one instance where a family returning from vacation was left stranded with flat tires on a cold day, prompting villagers to offer them coffee and assistance.
Another resident shared that disturbances caused by late-night arrivals and early-morning departures are common. The noise from slamming car doors and excited chatter has disrupted sleep, exacerbating the residents’ frustration. They believe the situation has worsened significantly in recent years, turning the problem into a “menace.”
The increase in litter has also been attributed to airport users, particularly taxi drivers and travelers. Arleen Sharp from the Felton Village Litter Picking Group reported that their efforts often yield numerous bags of rubbish, which reappears within days despite their frequent clean-ups.
In response, Bristol Airport has advised customers to utilize their on-site parking facilities, which feature CCTV and automatic number plate recognition for added security. The airport encourages travelers to use alternative transport options, such as direct bus and coach services, and is investing in a new £60 million public transport interchange and car park set to open next summer.
The airport’s spokesperson emphasized a commitment to working with the local community to address nuisance parking and urged anyone with concerns to reach out.
