Hatched markings and the words 'private parking only' were last week painted at the Nelson Street entrance to the car park behind Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church and its hall.

However Nelson Street resident Stephen Barber said the markings are aimed at "intimidating" local residents and will increase parking problems in the area.

Mr Barber told the Mail: "Parking is a real problem in Nelson Street as there is no off-road parking and insufficient street parking available.

"Parishioners often park in the street, which forces residents to use the splayed entrance to the church car park or the car park itself.

I've been here eight years and there's never been a problem with that before but now we're being told we can't.

"There are parking spaces in the car park sitting empty while the road is full.

"These new markings are an eyesore and the people who have instigated this action deserve to be exposed as the uncharitable, unneighbourly and mean-spirited people they are. I just feel that with a little bit of goodwill on behalf of the church we can co-exist peacefully."

The Mail phoned the church several times but nobody was answering calls.

We have subsequently learned that Canon Owen O'Neil was on holiday but a parishioner phoned the Mail to say the markings have been needed due to fire safety regulations. A formal response from the church council is pending.