A mum from Catford with a disabled son has been "forced to look for a new home" after a private area behind her home previously used for parking has been closed off, leaving her with nowhere near enough to home to park.

Leah Sergeant, who lives in Battersby Road in a property managed by Phoenix Housing Association, has “struggled” with parking issues for two months after the decision was made to close the gated area behind the flats in January.

According to Phoenix Housing, the decision to close the area formerly used for parking was because of numerous reports of “serious antisocial behaviour".

46-year-old Leah told the News Shopper: “A lot of residents wanted the gates to be closed and residents to have access with a key, but we were unsuccessful in getting this access to the gate and the gates have just been closed since January.

“People are having to park really far away and they are getting parking tickets.

“Mums with prams can’t even walk across the pavement because cars are just literally on there.

“A lot of the tenants are getting frustrated and we're just getting nowhere with it.”

News Shopper: Leah has “struggled” with parking for two months after the gated area behind the flats was closed in January.Leah has “struggled” with parking for two months after the gated area behind the flats was closed in January. (Image: Leah Sergeant)

Leah added that the lack of parking is having a significant impact on her and her son’s mobility, forcing her to “look for other housing options.”

Leah said: “I've got a child that has autism and epileptic fits, he was diagnosed last year, and he can have very major seizures where he’s really sleepy afterwards and I need to be able to get him to the car quickly to take him to hospital.

“I can't take my child out anywhere now because he just gets too frustrated.

“It’s got to the point where I have been moved to a medical level two and am bidding for homes because this situation isn’t working for us anymore.”

A spokesperson for Phoenix advised that the gates have been installed for "safety".

They apologised for the disappointment experienced by some residents and said they are in conversation with Leah to explore potential housing options.

News Shopper: Leah said that the lack of parking is forcing her to “look for other housing options.”Leah said that the lack of parking is forcing her to “look for other housing options.” (Image: Leah Sergeant)

Leah added that the situation has become “so difficult” that she’s been forced to park by the gates to ensure she has access to her car in the event that her son experiences a seizure.

Leah explained: “I end up parking in the gates, and then every Monday and Wednesday morning when the bin people come, I have to get up out of bed 6.30am, move the car and try and park it on the pavement so they can have access.”

In a bid to raise awareness of this issue Leah started a petition which received 29 signatures from residents, but she claims she did not get a response.  

Leah explained: “I’ve tried everything, I’ve written to Phoenix, I’ve written to my MP, we’ve attended meetings and nothing has worked.

“I started a petition that got 29 signatures, but nobody is listening.

“All we want is a key, I've spoken with so many of the residents and we just want a key and we’ll ensure to lock the gates afterwards.”

News Shopper: Leah started a petition which received 29 signatures from residents.Leah started a petition which received 29 signatures from residents. (Image: Leah Sergeant)

A Phoenix spokesperson said: "We consulted residents following a number of reports of serious antisocial behaviour at the rear gates of Battersby Road.

"From working closely with them to find a solution to the issues in the area, a majority of our residents requested we install the security gates to keep them safe and we have acted on that request.

“We are sorry that some residents are disappointed with this outcome.

"We will contact Ms Sargeant and work with her to explore her rehousing options."