A MAN is campaigning for double yellow lines to be installed near his Haydock home because lorries and vehicle-carriers are blocking the path, making it impossible for his wheelchair-bound neighbour to go out.

Speaking on behalf of the small neighbourhood, Joseph Thompson of Kilbuck Lane, says a wheelchair user in her late 80s who lives nearby can't get past the vehicles to get out and about.

Joseph said the vehicles tend to park outside the Manheim car auction premises, just down the road from the row of houses where they live.

He said: "This has been going on for years. I've approached the council over it, the police and Manheim – the firm who own the car auction centre – to no avail so far.

"My neighbour is in her late 80s and is an amputee; if they turn left, there's a bridge over the East Lancs that she can't get over because of steps and if they turn right, there's no room for the wheelchair next to the parked up lorries."

He added: "All we need are double yellow lines outside the auction house - someone with a pushchair would have the same problem.

"I'm not against industrial development in Haydock. Obviously we want progress and jobs – I'm all for that – but we also need to look after the people who live here – it's been a problem for years."

A spokesperson for Manheim said: “We have been in contact with the transport companies and are actively working with them to resolve this issue. Furthermore we have requested anticipated times of arrivals so we can do all that is possible to ensure there is suitable capacity for the transporters.

"We appreciate the concerns of local residents and would encourage them to contact us immediately if they find an obstruction so we can attempt to resolve the matter quickly.”

A St Helens Council spokesman said: “We are aware of these concerns, and a member of our traffic section went to visit Mr Thompson in May this year, where a request for the installation of parking restrictions and bollards was made.

“The council has, in the past, installed several bollards on the front of the properties and installed a number of 'H markings' on the carriageway across the driveways. Waiting restrictions to prohibit vehicles from parking are also present on the opposite side of the road to deter indiscriminate parking.

“In order to install further yellow lines, it is necessary for a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to be implemented. This process involves a lengthy legal procedure, including statutory consultations with a number of external agencies (...) and a three-week objection period is provided, during which time representations may be made against by any party who considers themselves adversely affected by it."

He added the location would be included on a database and considered for inclusion in future programmes of work involving TROs.