THE views of residents are being sought to help solve the chaotic parking problems caused on event days at Preston Park in Eaglescliffe.

For a number of years, nearby residents have complained about vehicles parking outside their homes. The issue reached a peak at the park's recent balloon festival on July 9.

Parked cars lined the A135 Yarm Road - the main road outside the park - and surrounding residential streets.

Senior officers at Stockton Borough Council are now organising a meeting to be held in September for a gather residents' views and ideas for improving future park events.

Ward councillor John Fletcher said: "Parking is normally free but people are tempted to park in surrounding streets if the car park is full or if the queuing is horrendous into or out of the site.

"Another car park is sometimes opened up off Preston Lane but I don't think it is sign posted clearly enough.

"The problems were particularly bad at the balloon festival.

"People parked with two wheels on the pavement of Yarm Road. However, they were issued with parking tickets.

"Residents were blocked in on the surrounding estates which could have caused major problems for emergency service if they needed access.

"It was also chaos getting into and out of the overflow car park."

Coun Fletcher said the event's web site did encourage public transport use but that no details of pick-up and drop-off points and times were given.

"Preston Park is a big asset to the area but there are problems with parking at big events," he said.

"Parking is putting too much strain on neighbours and due to the traffic implications on Yarm Road, council officers are now looking at the possibility of a park and ride scheme."

A spokesman for Stockton Council said that the meeting with residents would be in early September but that no exact date had been set.

"We will listen to residents' experiences during these events and we will consult with them and gain their input for any future events," he said.

* An open day and wedding fair takes place at Preston Hall today, from 10am and 4pm, in conjunction with Stockton Summer Show in Preston Park. Admission to both events is £2.50 and £1.50 for under 15s and those over 60, with free admission for under fives and the disabled. Car parking is free.