Residents claimed the council was cashing in on dozens of parking tickets issued because office workers – until recently hired by the authority – were blocking spaces outside their homes.

Since Merton Priory Homes – which took over management of the council’s housing stock in April – set up shop just off St Helier Avenue, parking spots have been flooded by employees, residents claimed.

Mother-of-four, Debbie James, said she had racked up more than £1,000 in tickets, after being forced to park in restricted areas on surrounding streets, and was even denied a space near her home while heavily pregnant earlier this year.

She said: “It’s just ridiculous but I have no choice. I’ve spoken to the council about it but it’s not interested. In the meantime, bailiffs are knocking on my door.

“As far as I’m concerned, these are council workers taking the space. Lots of us feel the same way, but we just don’t know what we can do about it.

“Last year I asked for a parking zone to be put in place. I said I don’t have a problem paying to park but was told the answer was no without so much as an explanation why.”

A council spokesman said parking restrictions could not be put in St Helier Avenue because it was a main carriageway managed by Transport for London.

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: “We understand residents would like to park near their homes. There is a lot of demand in the area for parking and we will be looking at how we can improve the situation for residents.”

A spokesman for Merton Priory Homes declined to comment. Residents said the organisation had asked staff not to park in St Helier Avenue but it had made no difference.