CORSHAM police officers and the town council have teamed up to put a stop to irresponsible drivers blocking a key emergency access point used by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The Springfield Recreation Ground is a designated landing point for the air ambulance, giving emergency medics easy access to homes on the Katherine Park estate and beyond.

Access is provided by a secured gate on Valley Road, but as summer draws on and the park proves more popular this is being blocked by inconsiderate parking.

Corsham Town Council chairman Ruth Hopkinson said the problem has been ongoing for three years.

“With people continuing to block them, it could result in help being delayed in a major emergency and what we are trying to do is make people aware that it is just plain selfish,” she added.

“It could be fatal if people block it and if there is a life threatening emergency then these are the areas where a land ambulance is likely to drive to and hand the condition of a patient into the hands of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. They can’t exactly land in a front garden so they need this space.

“There are a lot of reasons why there are specifically marked signs on the entrances which show our clear message.”

The town council have said they understand that with the new facilities in the area, including a play area and skateboard park, more people are likely to descend on the Rec but they hope to encourage people to use the other car parks in the town, many being free at certain times.

Coun Hopkinson added: “If you are someone who blocks the entrance then you potentially could be responsible for someone’s life. It could be one of your friends or family members so please think.”

Police officers launched an appeal last year after a member of the public sent them a photo of a car parked against the gate, which is clearly signposted as an active emergency access point.

PC Hazel Anderson added: “People are still parking and blocking the entrances and the problem hasn’t gone away since we last warned people.

“Who knows if something could happen but people any heed of stopping it.”

The land is owned by the town council and police have now warned drivers they will take action if they catch anyone obstructing the gates.