Maldon bowls club members trapped in car park by smart car

Maldon Bowling Club, in Park Drive, was hosting its annual presentation evening on the same evening as the town's fireworks display at Promenade Park.

When some of the guests wanted to leave, they found a smart car parked directly across their front gates, leaving "between 60 to 70 people" trapped inside.

Shocked - Club members were shocked to find the car parked across their gates (Image: Carole Ash)Carole Ash, 65, member of Maldon Bowls Club committee and former club captain, said: “When the fireworks are on, there are cars parked all over the place.

“This car decided to park right across the gate.

“With another car parked quite close beside the gateway, people couldn’t get out.

“We just couldn’t believe it when we got out there - it wasn’t even just a fraction over the dropped curb.

“People couldn’t believe that some idiot had decided to park right there in front of the gates.”

Dangerous - Carole said visibility is hard on Park Drive and that double yellow lines would help (Image: Carole Ash) As Carole and some other members phoned the police to see what could be done, the lady whose car was parked beside the gate returned, and she was able to move her vehicle just further forward enough for people to “squeeze out” the car park.

Carole said: “Trying to get out, you cannot see any traffic either way because of where the cars are parked.

“The only way people could leave was with someone standing in the road, directing cars in and out - so it was still very difficult.”

Celebrate - Club members enjoyed a lovely presentation evening (Image: Carole Ash) The owner of the car was not seen.

Carole added that Maldon Bowling Club has appealed for double yellow lines outside the gates to help with visibility and parking on the street.

Carole said: “This incident highlights the need for double yellow lines. It would make a difference.”