THE Hayes and Harlington community centre has had hi-tech gates fitted to its car park after being swamped by rail commuters looking for free spaces.
The centre in Albert Road now has swipe-card operated barriers, courtesy of a £9,000 grant from Hillingdon Council’s Chrysalis programme, the fund for community-led improvement projects.
The centre’s spaces started to fill up following the introduction of restricted parking schemes in Keith Road and Albert Road in April.
Mick Ewins, of Hayes and Harlington Community Association, said: “This is a private car park but we don’t have clampers, and in recent months we have had people from all over leaving their cars here for days at a time.
“We have around 400 members and the Nestle’s Avenue children’s centre across the road use our car park, so there is a steady stream of people.
“With the cut-backs and all, I didn’t think we would get the money, so it’s really good news for us.”
* Homeowners at the north end of Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, have requested residents only restrictions outside their homes.
They petitioned the council and put their case to Councillor Keith Burrows, cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling, on December 14.
The neighbourhood renewed its campaign after an earlier bid in February 2010 split opinion and was subsequently shelved.
This new scheme will be added to the council’s parking programme and local people will be consulted.
