FED-UP householders have attacked the City of York Council over plans to replace grass verges which have degenerated into a muddy mess outside their homes.

The council plans to re-turf grass verges ploughed up by parked vehicles in Osbaldwick lane - but residents there say it's a waste of time.

Valerie Saye and Christine Richardson are urging highways managers to admit defeat and lay asphalt over the verge outside their homes. Once a strip of green five feet wide, the verge now acts as a muddy barrier between the footpath and Osbaldwick Lane, Mrs Saye said.

"There are deep ruts outside my house where lorries have parked. When it has rained it is an absolute mess. The mud is encroaching on to the pavements now," she said.

"As I sit here there are two vans parked on the verge but generally speaking, it is everybody."

Mrs Richardson said the problem is caused by the narrowness of Osbaldwick Lane, forcing residents to park on the verge.

"It is absolutely chaotic. Cars get bumped by buses and have no choice but to park on the verge," she said. "Ambulances have difficulty getting through to Westminster Nursing Home farther down the road."

Residents are faced with walking across the muddy verge to get into their vehicles or to cross the road, Mrs Saye said.

"If it has been raining I have to stop the taxi at number one and walk along to get to my house."

The city council plans to lay new turf in the spring. But Mrs Saye believes the verge will soon return to its present state.

"I think tarmac will be better because cars could park on it and the rest of us could walk over it."

Mrs Richardson agreed and added: "Two years ago they said they were going to put lay-bys down Osbaldwick Lane. That would be the best solution."

The City of York Council says its policy is to maintain green areas.

Senior engineering consultant Ray Chaplin said the city council would, on request, enable residents to drive over the verge onto their driveways by installing a "drive crossing". A charge would be made for this, he said.

He added: "It is an offence under the Highways Act to park on and damage the verge. It will be tidied and photographed as a record. If any damage is reported to us that will be remedied."

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