RESIDENTS and drivers visiting Topsham have expressed their frustration about troubles with parking vehicles in the town.

RESIDENTS and drivers visiting Topsham have expressed their frustration about troubles with parking vehicles in the town.A number of people who live in the area, and those who visit on a regular basis, feel there are not enough designated spaces to leave their cars.Riki Horn, who works in Matthews Hall on Saturdays, said: "Sometimes you can come and the car parks are full from as early as 8.30am."Then you have people queuing up trying to get spaces. There are a lot of problems in Topsham with it. On Saturdays, particularly, parking can be chaotic."There are three pay and display car parks in the town and a number of street-side bays, which drivers are allowed to park in but only for a short space of time.Percy Giles, police community support officer for Topsham, said he was constantly asked about parking issues when he was on patrol in the area.He explained: "Every day I hear about different places in the town which cause problems in one way or another."A meeting was held two months ago in Topsham to discuss the matter because parking is regarded such a problem. More than 80 people attended, including ward councillors Mark Starling, Rob Newby and Andrew Leadbetter.Proposals which were raised included a grass verge being removed on Holman Way to free space for parking.Exeter-based couple Julie Eyres, 41, and her husband Steve, 36, who have two children, also visit the town and struggle to park. Speaking about their experiences, Julie said: "It is really bad. One week we had to go home because we couldn't find anywhere."And, Steve added: "We've brought friends here before because it is a nice place to come."But it isn't great, and doesn't look good, when they are following you in a vehicle behind and you're trailing around from one car park to another."Lynn Walsh, of Greatwood Terrace, Topsham, said people should use public transport more. "If you look at parking and driving as a green issue, which I think it is because there are too many cars on the road, this town has a good rail system," said Lynn."The bus services which operate to here are also very good. Cars are just a convenience and people should use public transport more.