The recent decision by Silkstone Medical Centre to close its car park during non-business hours has created a significant and unnecessary strain on our local community. Located adjacent to a private nursery, this car park was a safe haven for over 60 parents to drop off and pick up their children, away from the perilous main road. With the nursery seeing daily arrivals and departures, the newly restricted access to the car park has made a once orderly process chaotic and risky.

The medical centre itself is only open for three days a week, and only for three hours each of those days. This means there is ample opportunity for dual use of the space, ensuring both the medical staff have parking during their infrequent hours of operation and that parents and community members can use the car park safely and effectively outside of those times.

The impact on local residents has been immediate and severe. Streets are now jammed with cars, significantly affecting traffic flow as vehicles queue to enter the estate. The main road has become increasingly dangerous, with traffic weaving between parked cars on both sides and parents and children trying to cross. Recent complaints on local social media highlight the frustration and risks felt by an overwhelmed community.

Converting the Silkstone Medical Centre car park to public use during non-business hours isn't just a simple act of community kindness—it's a necessity for public safety. We urge the management of Silkstone Medical Centre to reconsider their current stance and align their policies with the needs of the community they are part of.

Sign this petition to bring about a change that will make our community safer and more harmonious. Together, we can ensure that our children have a safe space for pickup and drop-off and ease the daily burden on local residents. Your support can make a world of difference.