THE County Ground will be locking its gates to motorists following numerous complaints around inconsiderate parking in the area.

Swindon Council have launched the Appropriate Parking Initiative after parking in the recreational area has begun to pose a hazard to visitors of the area.

Some examples of the issues raised include parking on grass verges, parked cars blocking the access road, preventing the grounds team from cutting the grass and maintaining the open spaces, and parking on the pavements causing an obstruction to elderly and vulnerable people.

As a result, from Friday the gates of the County Ground will be barred to the public unless they are making use of the park, and cars which breach the rules could be subject to clamping.