RESIDENTS of the small Goldcroft Common in Caerleon say they feel “bullied” over council plans to install stone barriers without consultation.

Despite requests for meetings, people there received notice from Newport council for measures to stop cars mounting the small grass area. The letter from green services manager Joanne Gossage says: “We, as the local authority, have a duty to protect this common land for its lawful purpose and therefore, we will shortly be installing block stone to exclude vehicles from this land.”

The three ward councillors, who are copied into the letter, have not replied to correspondence from residents.

Resident Roy McCabe said: “They have not had the courtesy to talk to us or even to reply to our e-mails.”

He now parks half on the grass to allow neighbours’ cars to pass, and worries barriers would restrict access for emergency vehicles.

Resident Mark Lewis said: “I feel we are being bullied and no-one’s listening to us.”

Residents have tried to start discussions since November last year, when the council arrived to install wooden bollards but were stopped by people in the lane. They agree they do not want cars parked on the common, but the width of the road outside their homes means they have to mount the grass to turn around. Cars are often blocked by others parking behind them. The letter does not offer another parking option.

Around the corner from the lane is Caerleon Endowed Junior School.

Mr Lewis said: “There are lots of school kids and toddlers – it’s dangerous to reverse out into a road anyway. We wanted to be able to turn the car to be able to drive face out.”

A meeting is being held in the Goldcroft Inn on Sunday at 7.30pm. At least 20 residents have confirmed attendance and councillors have been invited. Attempts were made to contact Caerleon councillors, but they had not commented as the Argus went to press.

A Newport council spokeswoman said: “The land where residents are parking their cars is a registered village green that carries rights for use by all residents of Caerleon. It is not for use by cars or to be used as a car park.”