RESIDENTS have hailed controversial cones used to stop parking on their road during an annual pantomime as a success.

Homeowners in Highfield Avenue, Dovercourt, said they had raised concerns about inconsiderate and dangerous parking along their road to police after driveways were left blocked and the street a hazard at a similar event last year.

Residents have complained about the number of people parking, making the road difficult to navigate, blocking driveways and causing disruption since access to the groups behind the former magistrates court was closed in 2012.

On January 23 traffic cones were put up for the weekend, while the Zigzag youth theatre group hosted a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Angry theatre bosses claimed the move was an attempt to "sabotage" the show.

One resident, who asked not be named, said: "It wasn't a witch-hunt against the drama group - it was to resolve any issues from the previous year.

"Cones were the solution of the authorities, and they were only outside six houses on either side of the road, not the whole road.

"And it worked."