Police issue warning after 'residents only' parking signs in Newton

As previously reported by the Star, dozens of 'residents only' signs were nailed to garden walls along Castle Hill in Newton-le-Willows earlier this month, due to parking problems that have been "building up for a period of years".

The no parking signs included logos of both St Helens Council and Merseyside Police, which suggested that they had been verified by the authorities, but it has since been confirmed that the signs were erected without permission.

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Residents took matters into their own hands after reported parking problems (Image: St Helens Star)

On social media, a St Helens Police statement read: "It has come to our attention that several parking signs have been installed in the Newton-le-Willows area using the Merseyside Police logo.

"Merseyside Police have no affiliation with this and the logo has been used without permission.

"We have kindly asked those who have installed the signs to remove our logo and would like to remind the public that using our logo without permission will be reported."

The Force previously told the Star that those using the Merseyside Police logo, without permission or inappropriately, may be reported to the College of Arms, which is the official heraldic authority for England.

Dozens of signs were erected along the cul-de-sac (Image: St Helens Star)

The decision to implement the residents only parking signs was made to take a stand against parking problems that have been ongoing for years, a Castle Hill resident said.

The cul-de-sac, which used to be a private road, is said to be frequently used by commuters who park their vehicles before travelling at the busy Newton-le-Willows train station. 

At times, commuters have left vehicles for days while also blocking driveaways and denying access for builders, the resident said.

The signs caused a stir in the community (Image: St Helens Star)

With parking concerns also affecting other residents around Newton, particularly due to the busy train station and thriving high street, the parking signs caused a stir on social media as residents had taken matters into their own hands.

Some residents called the signs "elitist" and suggested that it could create further parking problems if other residents started doing the same thing.

It is believed that some Castle Hill residents had already taken down their parking signs because of the upset caused within the community, with the rest that include the council and police emblem also expected to be removed.