DELIGHTED residents have won a three-year campaign to crack down on “indiscriminate” parking in two Thundersley streets.

Residents living in The Dale and Cherrymeade, which are both closes, have long-complained students from nearby Seevic College regularly block the streets with their vehicles.

They say poor parking has left cars blocked in driveways, while the roads are so narrow when cars are left on both sides it would be impossible for fire engines or ambulances to pass.

Essex County Council has revealed waiting restrictions will be installed by March next year after it secured funding for the scheme.

Alf Partridge, former chairman of Castle Point Highways Panel, said: “It’s a relief.

“I visited those streets on a number of occasions and the situation was disgusting.

“It was indiscriminate parking with no respect for the residents stuck in their homes. It’s long overdue, but that’s often the way of these things.”

Residents first contacted Essex County Council about their concerns in spring 2008.

The plans were then held up after only one resident complained about the proposals.

This forced the council to hold a formal consultation, which meant the plans had to be advertised in the press and all residents in the area were contacted.

However, the changes are now set to go ahead.

The restrictions will see drivers banned from parking in the streets between 10am and 11am, and 2pm and 3pm on weekdays.

One resident from The Dale, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s frustrating, but I suppose we’re glad it’s finally going to happen.

“On a busy day the entire street is full of cars, and you know it’s not the residents because we all park on our drives. I just hope this makes a difference.”

Seevic College, in Runnymede Chase, has approximately 380 spaces in its car park, but more than 2,700 staff and students.

Concerns have also been raised about students parking in Warren Chase and Castle Point Council’s car park, off Kiln Road.

Sarah Wright, chief executive of Seevic College, said: “The college is aware from residents that there are parking difficulties in the local area during college term time.

“We greatly regret any inconvenience caused to local residents.

“Students are encouraged to park responsibly and within regulations.”

She added the college contracts 11 double-decker buses to transport students to the college and also has stores for bikes and motorbikes.