A blunder which led to double yellow lines being painted in a cul-de-sac in the middle of the night, only to be removed a week later, has cost £8,000.

Residents in Mount Road watched in disbelief as contractors painted the lines shortly before midnight on Friday, September 27.

The parking restrictions were in force for two days the following week, before the lines were removed on Friday, October 4.

Kingston Council has apologised to residents for the mysterious circumstances in which the lines were painted.

Laurie South, chairman of Kingston’s Labour party, said: “It is just beyond ludicrous. How on earth can they manage to just be so incompetent?

“I think you have to work hard on that. It is just pathetic.”

Councillor Rachel Reid, chairman of the south of the borough neighbourhood committee, said: “It is a waste of money, wherever it has come from.

“It was overkill. It didn’t need to be done that way.

“The whole thing, to be honest, comes down to communication and lack of.

“I’m fully supportive of residents in finding out why this went wrong.”

In a letter apologising to residents on Monday, September 30, council officer Gareth Thomas said: “The council prides itself on the level of community engagement and for keeping local residents informed.

“Clearly in this instance we have failed and for that I apologise profusely.”

What do you think? Comment below or email letters@surreycomet.co.uk.

 

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