Unholy row erupts as church installs numberplate cameras to stop non-worshippers using their car park

An unholy row has broken out after a church installed number plate recognition cameras to stop non-worshippers from using its car park. 

New signs put up at Holy Family Catholic Church in Maidstone, Kent, warn that anyone who parks at the site but doesn't visit the church will now face a fine.

The church's car park has seen its spaces fill up in recent months while work to complete a set of new-build homes is carried out across the road.

Locals say that because of parked vans from the building site people have no choice but to park at the church, where they've previously parked for decades without issue.

Visitors to the area and parents picking up children from the school next door also rely on the spaces, it is claimed.

One woman who lives nearby, but didn't want to be named, branded the church's move 'disgraceful'.

She said: 'That car park has always been there for people to use it in the 30-plus years I've been here.

'It's got busier with the new homes being built further down the road, but that always happens when there's works going on. [Not letting locals park here is] disgraceful.'

Another woman, who was walking her dog past the church, said traffic in the area has worsened.

New signs put up at Holy Family Catholic Church in Maidstone, Kent, warn that anyone who parks at the site but doesn't visit the church will now face a fine

The church's car park has seen its spaces fill up in recent months while work to complete a set of new-build homes is carried out across the road 

Locals say, because of parked vans from the building site, people have no choice but to park at the church where they've previously parked for decades without issue

'It's become a nightmare when it's school time now or during the day,' she said. 

'Cars are left on both sides of the road and you can see buses are struggling to get through when it's busy.

'I know people who have used the car park before and there's never been a problem.'

A third homeowner in the area commented: 'With the construction work going on having visitors is now impossible as they have nowhere to park due to all the vans parked along the road.

'We have lost all of the parking due to redevelopment and now church visitors park along the road and make the problem worse.'

Responding to the claims, Father Desmond Mbidoaka said the Holy Family Catholic Church's car park is private property and should only be used by the congregation or visitors using its hall.

'We sympathise with residents who previously used both the council park and our car park that was never intended for public use,' he said.

'Some residents had developed the habit of parking there without permission, particularly after losing the council park space.

Responding to the claims, Father Desmond Mbidoaka (pictured) said the Holy Family Catholic Church's car park is private property and should only be used by the congregation or visitors using its hall.

 Local Labour councillor Dan Wilkinson has said he's looking to contact the church (pictured) to try and find a solution for residents

'However, as our private car park was being overwhelmed, we had to take action to protect access for our legitimate users.'

Father Desmond says the loss of a large parking space at the former Royal British Legion Social Club to make way for housing has increased pressure for spaces in the area.

He says the decision to implement the new parking restrictions, which require drivers to register their number plate inside the church, came after instances of 'problematic parking behaviour'.

This included unauthorised users, alleged aggressive conduct towards church staff and worshippers, frequent littering and a 'disregard for the property's upkeep'.

These issues caused disruption to services and community activities, according to Father Desmond, as well as leading to an 'environment of intimidation' for those using the facilities.

Local Labour councillor Dan Wilkinson has said he's looking to contact the church to try and find a solution for residents.

'I was aware of the problems,' he said. 

'Buses are sometimes having [to get] through Bicknor Road, and the associated traffic problems.

An unholy row has broken out after ANPR parking is installed at Holy Family Catholic Church, Maidstone, Kent

'Although, I've not had any specific complaints about the parking situation in the church car park or the signs that have been erected.

'As it stands, I'm liaising with Maidstone Borough Council's parking services department, and am attempting to contact the church to see if some solution can be found.

'Fortunately, the situation is only temporary given that it is largely related to the development opposite, though I appreciate the frustration for residents and road users and hope to find a way of easing the situation.'

The church's new numberplate recognition cameras were installed last month.

In a newsletter, churchgoers were told: 'The cameras for the controlled parking have been installed and the system is now live.

'It is vitally important that parishioners register their vehicle with the parish.

'Parishioners with unregistered vehicles, or visitors to the parish, will need to register their vehicle on the tablets being provided in the church and hall.

'Failure to do so will result in a parking fine.'