MOTORISTS in Minehead are facing a Christmas crackdown on illegal parking as the police, traders and council leaders join forces to keep traffic on the move. The Avon and Somerset force unveiled the tough new stance yesterday (Thursday) which follows a series of complaints from local people and shop owners about motorists overstaying their welcome in parking bays and leaving vehicles on double yellow lines. In addition to the commitment to target parking offenders the crackdown also includes reducing burglary and theft from vehicles and providing extra reassurance to residents across West Somerset. Although the district no longer has traffic wardens, police community support officers (PCSOs) have the same powers and those flouting parking restrictions are being warned to watch out. West Somerset district commander Inspector Nic Crocker said his plea to residents and visitors enjoying shopping in the area was to spend their money locally and move on to allow others to do the same. "This will allow me to target my resources at more important issues," said Inspector Crocker. "My policing priorities are to reduce and detect burglary, vehicle crime and violence, as well as the provision of visible patrols to reassure communities throughout West Somerset." Inspector Crocker said the Government saw the future of parking enforcement with local authorities but until West Somerset District Council was able to assume this responsibility he would respond to particular instances of offending. He added: "PSCOs were introduced nationally as a response to the need to provide reassurance through more visible uniformed presence and to tackle anti-social behaviour. "The focus locally has been on youth problems and targeted village patrols." Inspector Crocker said that in the build-up to Christmas he would be directing patrols to address the abuse in parking, as well as looking for vehicles vulnerable to theft - for instance by shoppers leaving goods in cars as they continue to shop. The crackdown has received the backing of Somerset county councillor Ian Galloway, who represents Minehead. "For some time now there has been a level of abuse of the local parking restrictions which has caused congestion and has in some areas proved dangerous," he said. "I am very happy to hear that the police are going to give time to target this matter. "They do have other important responsibilities but they recognise the importance of the issue locally."