TOWN councillors have welcomed plans to extend double yellow lines in a Sidmouth street following a plea from emergency services.

Parking will be mainly restricted to one side of Alexandria Road after it was claimed the actions of inconsiderate motorists meant fire engines and ambulances had trouble navigating the stretch while racing to emergencies.

County highways bosses drew up a plan to extend yellow lines.

A Sidmouth Town Council meeting on Monday heard refuse collection trucks also struggled in the road.

The issue was described as an “old chestnut” and civic leaders welcomed proposals for a solution.

“It just goes to show perseverance does pay off,” said Councillor Frances Newth, who added residents had voiced fears to her.

“At last!” said Cllr Mary Jolly. “We’ve waited for years. Thank goodnesss,” she added.

“Put in double yellow lines by all means, but who’s going to enforce it?” said Cllr Jack Brokenshire.

“If you go around town, everyone stops on double yellow lines and there’s no one there to stop them.”

Cllr Ian Barlow was concerned the stretch could become a “single road” if cars were parked down one side, but colleagues assured him that the clustering of entrances to properties in the road would act as passing places.

Cllr Stuart Hughes said: “I think this will work. The fire service has said they are happy with it.”

Councillors gave the project their unanimous backing.