NEIGHBOURS at a showpiece homes development have launched a fight against "Stalinesque" parking restrictions agreed in secret.

A mystery tenants' committee some residents didn't existed has apparently agreed to the scheme at prestigious Kennet Island in south Reading which means each home will get just one parking permit and one 48-hour visitor pass - with a £130 clamping release fee for parking anywhere else.

Almost 200 objections have been made through an online petition launched by primary school teacher Lydia Alexander calling on the community to unite against the parking curbs which come into force on January 19.

She said people feel let down by both developers St James Homes and property management company Hallmark, which has hired Slough-based Parking Control Management (UK) Ltd to run the clamping scheme.

The company's signs - bearing the parking regulations and a warning that it will cost £330 to recover towed-away vehicles - have already been installed around Kennet Island where two-bedroom homes costs £200,000 and three-bedrooms sell for £270,000.

Ms Alexander said: "My partner and I both have a car and just before we bought the house, our first house, we asked St James about the parking and they said there was no problem, there would be plenty of spaces.

"We wouldn't have bought the place if we had known we couldn't park one of our cars here.

"It is absolutely crazy. They encouraged shared ownership and many of the homes have people who need more than one car.

"There weren't any problems before this. People parked at the roadside without causing obstructions and parking simply wasn't an issue. We got a letter and a parking permit out of the blue just before Christmas saying vehicles would be clamped after January 19."

But while leafleting homes to seek support for the online petition she made a stunning discovery.

She said: "Apparently there was a meeting between Hallmark and what they call tenants' representatives. But nobody knows who these people are and they've certainly not spoken to anyone I've talked to.

"If there was a meeting shouldn't we have been invited? We knew nothing about this."

She added: "We have been here for just over a year and it's a lovely place to live, but we're now considering moving because of the parking. My partner and I both need a car for work and we won't be able to afford clamping release fees just for parking our car near our home, and worrying about cars belonging to friends and family if they visit."

Ms Alexander's father Rik, who has a financial stake in her home, said: "The lack of parking bays and 48 hour visitor parking restriction is Stalinesque. I cannot think who would want to live under such oppressive conditions. There is plenty of space to lay some extra tarmac."

St James' spokeswoman Deana Everingham said: "In line with all St James Homes developments, Kennet Island reflects the government directives relating to the provision of parking in new residential schemes, whilst encouraging people to reduce their reliance on motor vehicles and more actively use public transport."

She said that is why the company has set up a car club and arranged for an extended bus route, with 56 visitor and temporary spaces.

Ms Everingham added: "From initial enquiry and throughout the sales process it is made clear to every purchaser what car parking is available for each plot in regard to both residents and visitors. The parking provided for each property is clearly set out in the legal paperwork issued to the customer and their solicitor."

apowell@berksmedia.co.uk

Comments on the online petition from residents include.

Suki Hair: "These restrictions will force residents to sell up. I was told there would be ample parking spaces as well as one allocated space before I bought the property. This is unfair, my partner and I are both professional working people we need two cars to commute. We are very disappointed and let down."

Yavor Dimitrov: "If they want cars parked off the road, they should provide more parking spaces not introduce a parking company. Most households in the 21st century have two cars not one."

Zoe Smith: "We live in a flat and everyone in our building has two cars which are essential for work that requires us to travel around the country to be able to afford the property! Which is probably true for everyone living here.

"Parking on the road does not cause a problem as I have witnessed dust carts and delivery lorries go past parked cars with ease.

"What happens if we want more than one guest?"

Alison Long: "There are two of us living in a flat, both of which require a car for work, moving into the flat in good faith unaware of the problems which are now arising. We are very concerned as to what this will mean for us living on Kennet Island."

Linda Vickery: "I was informed that when purchasing there would be plenty of spaces for visitors, now being told there isn't. It's ridiculous that there is nowhere for them to park, it's not even like there is anywhere nearby they can park and walk round the corner. It's a complete disgrace and I am thinking of moving because of it."

Ben Raper: "For a development that encourages a 'share to buy with friends approach' they appear to be only targeting friends that share one car and have one friend between them. This is not a viable solution to any problem that they claim exists."

Brian Birtles: "I presently rent in Kennet Island and will not consider buying there because of the parking issue. I will move elsewhere if my car, or a visitor's, is clamped."