THE BATTLE to solve a "traffic nightmare" could soon be over.

Residents were left fuming after a row over who was responsible for fixing a loading bay outside a shop on North East Road in Sholing.

Now they say they have been told the work will be done "soon."

But now they face a battle with Southampton City Council - after double yellow lines were installed outside their homes. Residents say they were not told the lines would be put in.

As reported resident Melanie Barfoot contacted the Echo after the pothole-filled loading bay outside the One Stop shop meant delivery lorries had nowhere to park.

She told the Echo her road had become “dangerous” since the Chamberlayne Arms pub was converted into flats and a shop.

But after two years of battling with landlords Goodwill Homes to try and get them to fix the layby, double yellow lines were also installed on the street, making it even more difficult for residents and their families to park along the street.

Now the Echo has learnt that the lines were a late addition to the planning condition.

But residents say they were not informed.

Resident Melanie Barfoot has been told the double yellow lines can be removed if all residents agree.

She said: "It's brilliant. I've just got to convince one resident, who got a parking ticket the other day for parking on the double yellow lines. "Thanks to the Echo we've managed to get something done. I still don't quite believe the loading bay will be fixed until I see it. But I've had to go away on holiday because the whole situation has been driving me mad."

Councillor Graham Wilkinson took on the issue after speaking to the Echo - and said it was "absolutely outrageous" that double yellows had been installed without consulting residents.

He said: "I've spoken to two solicitors at the council. I said we can't just let this go on. Balfour Beatty have been paid now. It seems that was the issue - that the landlord hadn't paid the bill.

"The double yellow lines were a late condition of the planning application. So the residents were not informed - although the council says they were.

"Often conditions are added at the end. It's not unusual. But if it is unanimous with all the residents they will be removed."

Balfour Beatty and Southampton City Council have been contacted for comment.