The Pughs are happy at the prospect of more parking. From the left: Janet, son Owen, Owen jr, 14 months, daughter-in-law Becky and Liam, six weeks. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0735545)

HOUSEHOLDERS are happy to lose part of their gardens in exchange for 15 extra parking spaces.

Residents of 29-40, Mahaut Gardens have long struggled with a lack of parking. Now some of the States houses are set to lose nearly five metres of their front gardens to double the number of spaces in the area.

Janet Pugh, 57, has lived on the St Peter Port estate with her husband, David, for more than 27 years.

‘Parking here is horrendous,’ she said.

‘We only have one car, but if we go out for the evening there’s never anywhere to park when we get back.’

Mrs Pugh helps to look after her grandchildren and her children regularly pop around to visit, but a lack of space can make parking difficult.

‘It’s a very good idea. It won’t be much of the garden and it will be worth it.’

Neighbour Joan Davidson, 73, does not drive but said access could be difficult for taxis or ambulances as cars block the road.

‘We do need a car park,’ she said.

‘If there was a fire, a fire engine could not get in here. It’s dangerous. Also, if family come to visit there is nowhere for them to park.’