For 18 years, Mair Benjamin helped others with their problems. Now, at 82, the former Aberystwyth town councillor says she is struggling to get help leaving her own home safely.

Ms Benjamin, who lives on Maes yr Afon, says inconsiderate parking has repeatedly obstructed access for her mobility scooter, sometimes forcing her into the road to negotiate a narrow junction with poor visibility.

Despite approaching her housing association and county councillors, she says the problem remains unresolved.

“I've covered so many issues for the people,” she told the Cambrian News, recalling her years on Aberystwyth Town Council. She says some still encourage her to return to public office, but having stepped away from council life, she now wishes simply to enjoy her retirement. “I'm worried now about myself. I'm being selfish,” she said. “I can't get out of my house in safety.”

The difficulties centre on a narrow lane between Maes yr Afon and Greenfield Street, where Ms Benjamin says work vans and other vehicles regularly obstruct her usual route into town. Cars parked across dropped kerbs at the adjoining junction present another obstacle, sometimes leaving her with little choice but to travel along the carriageway.

“When I come out through the gate, the first thing I do is look,” she explained. “If there's something there, love, I'm stumped.” She fears encountering vehicles on the narrow road, particularly quiet electric cars.

Ms Benjamin previously campaigned over parking difficulties nearby, including a dispute which attracted national attention after residents were warned they could face fines or imprisonment for placing bollards outside their homes to reserve spaces.

In correspondence shared with the Cambrian News, housing association Barcud acknowledged her difficulties but said matters concerning yellow lines, dropped kerbs and irresponsible parking fell under Ceredigion County Council's highways department.

Ms Benjamin subsequently appealed to Cllr Shelley Childs, Ceredigion's cabinet member responsible for highways. In an email dated 20 October, Cllr Childs replied: “It's a shame it's come to this, as common sense should show that a single lane access road should not be parked in.” He added that only the police could deal with obstructions at present.

However, Ms Benjamin insists double yellow lines and dropped kerbs are already present at the junction, questioning why further action has not followed.

Approached by the Cambrian News, Ceredigion County Council confirmed that the affected roads are not maintained at public expense and that the yellow lines, installed by others, are not supported by a Traffic Regulation Order.

This means the council cannot issue parking penalties for contraventions of those markings, despite their appearance.

“Obstruction of the highway is a matter for the Police to enforce,” a spokesperson said.

The council urged motorists to park responsibly but said it could take no enforcement action in this case.

For Ms Benjamin, who spent much of her public life seeking solutions for others, the continuing uncertainty is taking its toll.

“I've given everybody else a chance,” she said.

Reflecting on her retirement and the difficulties now affecting her independence, she added: “I just want peace.”