Country park barrier plan to tackle nuisance drivers

A car park at a country park in Derbyshire is set to be closed overnight following a number of complaints about nuisance driving.

Derbyshire County Council said a barrier would be installed at Coppiceside Car Park in Slack Lane, Heanor, from 1 November.

Residents had raised concerns about vehicle-related disturbances, illegal off-road driving and vandalism, including damage to parking machines after dark.

The council said the move aimed to reduce disruption for nearby households and help protect the park.

The barrier will be locked overnight throughout the year, with different closing times depending on the season.

Between 1 April and 31 October, the car park will close from 20:00 until 09:00. From 1 November to 31 March, it will close from 17:00 until 09:00.

Drivers have been warned to remove their vehicles before the gates close. An out-of-hours service will be available to release vehicles, although a charge will apply.

The council said the measures followed reports of "vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, nuisance driving and illegal off-road vehicle use" in and around the park.

Additional parking will remain available at the nearby Mapperley Car Park.

Visitors have also been asked to continue reporting criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and nuisance vehicles to Derbyshire Police.

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