Bedfordshire Police has said that it is aware of social media posts regarding criminal damage to cars in Queen’s Park, but that no formal complaints have been received.
The posts began appearing on the Queens Park Community Facebook page at the end of May, showing flyers left on commuters’ cars, threatening damage if they didn’t park elsewhere.
This week (9 June), there was an escalation in the activity, with several drivers reporting that their tyres had been punctured.
The activity seems to be the work of the self-styled ‘Cutliffe Parking Liberation Front’ (CPLF), although all of the Facebook posts are anonymous.
“Unacceptable”
Bedford MP and Queens Park resident, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), said that he understands the frustration of residents who struggle to find a parking space due to commuter parking.
“Anyone who lives in Queens Park knows how challenging the traffic congestion and parking situation can be,” he told the Bedford Independent.
“That is a legitimate concern which deserves to be addressed and also considered by motorists. However, damaging people’s property and making threats online is a completely unacceptable way to deal with the problem and can never be justified.”
He said that residents’ parking permit schemes have been “considered and rejected by residents in the past”, but said: “The right way to tackle these issues is through engagement with the local authority, which has responsibility for parking and traffic management.
“I am also engaging with EWR on future plans for Bedford station to improve parking facilities at the station.”
He said he would encourage the group concerned to contact Bedford Borough Council and use the “proper democratic channels”.
“Positive, constructive civic action is the only way to achieve change, not intimidation or criminal behaviour.”
The Facebook posts acknowledge that the cars are often parked legally, “but that doesn’t make it any less dumb”, said one.
They also referred to the CPLF’s activity as a “ground invasion.”
In a statement to the Bedford Independent, Bedfordshire Police said: “We are aware of posts circulating on social media regarding criminal damage and notes left on cars parked in the Queens Park area of Bedford, although the force has not received any formal reports.
“The Bedford community policing team has visited the area and conducted door-to-door engagements, encouraging anyone with information about malicious notes or damage to vehicles to share intelligence and report.
“There are no parking restrictions in place in this area, so parking is not illegal unless obstructive or dangerous.
“Anyone with information is urged to report it via our website beds.police.uk and selecting ‘Tell us about’.”
None of the three Queens Park councillors responded by our deadline.
