Further warnings issues to motorists to stop blocking fire station entrance in Welshpool
Firefighters have repeated warnings to motorists for blocking the entrance to a station.
Welshpool Fire Station have issued pleas to motorists on Severn Street to stop blocking the entrance to the station when the traffic builds up.
But despite repeated calls, the problems are still occurring and this has prompted the town council to take action, and a meeting has been called with Powys County Council.
Former town councillor and firefighter Brendan McWhinnie said he did not want to exaggerate the situation, but insisted it is an ongoing problem.
He said: "It has been ongoing for quite a while now, and has been a nuisance and could turn into a serious issue.
"It has stemmed from people parking in the box junction in front of the station, and on Friday we struggled to get a fire engine out, and had to reverse and manoeuvre it to eventually to get it out.
"I know the council have taken this on now, and County Councillor Phil Pritchard is hoping to come to some sort of solution with the county council.
"On a normal day it is fine, I don't want to exaggerate the situation, but on bank holidays and at weekends and peak times it can be a problem."
Mr McWhinnie also said the problem is not just affecting the fire station.
He added: "We are next to the ambulance station which is also having problems, they need to be able to get out when they are called, so people need to consider that as well.
"And Llys Hafren residential home is next door too, so it is not just us who is being effected."
Councillor Pritchard is in the process or organising a meeting with the county council to discuss the possibility of a warning light in the lead up to the station.
He said motorists are not deliberately causing problems, but if no action is taken it could cost a life.
He added: "At busy times the traffic has backed up and something needs to be done about it.
"Motorists are not deliberately doing this, and it could only prevent an engine getting out for 30 seconds, but that 30 seconds could be a life.
"There needs to be a warning there, a possible lighting system to stop motorists from stopping.
"If know one says anything nothing will be done about it, so we need a meeting with the them, and I will be also raising it at a Montgomeryshire Committee meeting this week."
