RESIDENTS of an area in Delabole have called on Cornwall Council to tarmac a council-owned car park near to their homes.

The car park, in Rendle Street, was originally given by the owners of the Delabole Slate Quarry to the village, to alleviate parking problems in nearby Medrose Street.

Over time, the parish council handed the car park over to North Cornwall District Council, which latterly became part of Cornwall Council.

The condition of the car park has deteriorated over time, resulting in large pot holes forming.

Residents said a number of complaints have been made to the council to rectify the situation, and every now and then the council will in-fill the holes, but within a few weeks — particularly in winter months — the holes re-appear.

Geoff Cleave, who has right of way over the car park to his property, has complained to the council on numerous occasions, and has gone through his solicitor to try and get the car park repaired.

He said: “Over the years the council has sent contractors to fill in the holes, but they tend to build up layer after layer over the entire car park, so when they get dug out, the holes are bigger. Then it takes months for the council to do something about it again.

“Residents are just worried that driving over the car park to get to their properties will damage their vehicles.

“This has been going on for years. The council has been told that dry fill is no good, so they’ve spent money for nothing. They send a lorry, digger, roller and a few men to fill the holes — that’s got to cost a few hundred pounds. If they tarmac it, it should last for a fair while.”

The Post contacted Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, Rob Rotchell — who has been standing in for St Teath Ward member Cllr John Lugg, about the situation, and he has chased up the matter with Cormac.

Residents will welcome the result, as Cornwall Council is due to carry out imminent repairs.

A spokesman for Cornwall?Council said the area has been inspected and the holes were in-filled last Saturday, with tarmac work expected to be carried out this week.