HINKLEY C workers are frustrating residents in Bridgwater and the surrounding villages by 'fly-parking' and councillors are worried the situation is only going to get worse.

EDF encourages all of its Hinkley construction workers to use the various designated Park and Rides, however workers attempting to save time on their commute are parking near pick up and drop off points.

The French energy giant is employing a dedicated team who respond to instances of fly-parking - however Cllr Colin Allen, chairman of Cannington Parish Council is worried the current situation is just 'the tip of the iceberg'.

Cllr Allen said: "Parking has become a major issue in Cannington. I think things are just going to get worse, there are what, 3,000 workers on site now? That is only the tip of the iceberg when you consider eventually there will be 7,000 at peak construction."

"We are now actively looking at ways we can create new parking facilities in the village, and hopefully the situation will improve once our own park and ride is completed."

Cllr Allen said EDF were doing their best to police the situation, but it said it was an 'almost impossible' job.

He said the worst affected places in Cannington were in the High Street, Duke Avenue and the area around The Friendly Spirit Inn.

Similar problems were being felt in Combwich, Bridgwater and Stogursey. One Combwich resident said EDF had to give out tickets to six drivers along a stretch near the village pick up point earlier in the week.

Bridgwater Town Councillor Alex Glassford said it was an issue also affecting the Dunwear ward, particularly near Redgate Medical Centre.

"It is particularly problematic for elderly people who want to visit the medical centre," Cllr Glassford said.

"Parking in the Co-op car park is not a big deal for a young person who is fit and healthy but if you are older and suffering with an ailment, it is frustrating.

"I understand the owners seem to get warnings but it seems to be the same cars who are repeat offenders."

In Stogursey, Cllr Chris Morgan said his mother had been put off using the village Post Office because there was nowhere to park.

"It is becoming quite a problem, there has been a real noticeable effect as there are often no parking spaces in the village. I suppose it is difficult to police because they are not doing anything illegal, it is just inconsiderate to local residents."

When someone is caught fly-parking they are issue with blue tickets by EDF's own fly-parking monitors.

The tickets state: "Workers who use the HPC buses are reminded if they drive to meet a HPC bus they must park their vehicle in the designated Park and Ride location.

"The number of fly-parking instances has unfortunately been increasing. Consequently 'hot spot' areas are now being monitored and registrations are being captured to allow action to be taken repeat offenders.

The statement on the ticket continues: "It does not reflect our project values. You are reminded that we aspire to be a good neighbour in this community and that includes respecting the parking arrangements that HPC has put in place to avoid flooding local roads and residential streets with workers' vehicles.

Fly-parking is considered a breach of EDF workers 'code of conduct'.

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s head of stakeholder engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “We do not tolerate fly-parking and controlling this anti-social activity is a focus for the Hinkley Point C project.

“We have a dedicated team who respond to instances of fly-parking as they arise; placing tickets on offending vehicles and, where necessary, dealing directly with any workers who do it.

“I would urge any local resident who suspects fly-parking is happening to contact the team on 0800 096 9650 so we can take action.”