A COMMUNITY group representing one of Farnham’s most deprived areas has raised concerns after residents were forced to pay for parking close to their homes.

Residents of Lyall Place, on the Sandy Hill Estate, were shocked to learn charges were to be introduced by private garage company Dudrich Holdings.

In a letter allegedly sent out to only a “handful” of residents, the company revealed those wishing to park would need to “rent a parking bay” or face a £100 fine.

It was thought the land was owned by housing group VIVID, but the firm confirmed it sold a garage block in 2017 and now had “no involvement”.

Writing to Dudrich Holdings, Sandy Hill Inclusive Partnership chairperson Melissa Ellenden expressed a “huge concern” about the charges. She said a permit would cost each resident a £100 deposit – and “a quarter-year payment up front.

“This is simply not money a lot of people can find, especially being given no notice,” she said.

“We know residents struggle to afford food and basic provisions, let alone the additional funds required for a one-off and weekly basis for these permits."

Writing in response, maintenance manager for Dudrich Holdings Stephanie Bentley said “a choice is available for all concerned”, and that residents “are able to park on the public highway”.

Continuing, she said: “We would like to reiterate the area in question is private property.

“We are not under any obligation to provide parking for residents and/or any other parties and would be fully within our rights to stop the parking on our property altogether if we so wished.”

Speaking to the Herald following the charge introduction, Waverley borough councillor Peter Marriott said the changes were “morally wrong” after residents had enjoyed parking freely for 40 years” – some of whom “do not have the means to pay” or have a “viable alternative”.