CALLS have been made for improved parking at Wickford train station to stop commuters blocking driveways and causing chaos.

Residents and councillors claim inconsiderate drivers have made it nearly impossible for ambulances and fire engines to get down Station Avenue and surrounding roads.

Commuters are accused of blocking up both sides of the road, and parking across driveways.

Peter Holliman, leader of the Wickford First group and ward councillor for Wickford North, believes the town needs a two-storey car park, similar to Shenfield.

He claims the town can simply not cope with its growing population.

Mr Holliman said: "Chaos is an understatement.

“I think it comes down to a number of issues, which makes it difficult to resolve. It would be easier if there was one solution and we could sort it out.

“The infrastructure is an issue and there doesn’t seem to be any plans to upgrade and improve it.

“The roads and parking facilities cannot cope with the increase of people, and with all the new housing developments things will only get worse.

“Wickford is a desirable place to live, and it's a good commuting distance to central London.

“It's still relatively picturesque and the housing prices are also very good.

“I don’t understand why the parking at the train station has not been improved already, I think there needs to be some kind of partnership between the council and rail companies."

Basildon Council wants to build 2,800 new homes in Wickford by 2031 as part of its local plan.

Work is also underway on major developments, including the 575-home estate on the former Runwell Hospital site, off Runwell Road.

Eunice Brockman, 59, of Mount Close, Wickford, believes permit parking or time restrictions could be the answer to the commuter parking problem.

She said: “I feel sorry for people who live in and around Station Avenue.

“I think we need more parking restrictions in more road to deal with the issue, I have friends who live near the station and they tell me about all the problems.

“Another answer could be improving other train stations nearby, such as South Woodham Ferrers, where parking facilities could be improved or extended. This would stop so many people using Wickford station."

The Echo revealed earlier this month the South Essex Parking Partnership had approved plans to draw single yellow lines on the tarmac in Harold Gardens and Whitelands Close, Wickford, banning parking between 10am and 11am Monday to Friday.