JOGGERS were furious after a nearby resident took it upon herself to lock their vehicles in a car park.
Nick Wiggins, who had been on an evening run, was shut in by a woman who told him she was fed up of courting couples using the facility at Westport Lake.
Other motorists, including mums with young children, have been forced to book a taxi after being unable to drive away from the site.
Nick was stunned to learn Stoke-on-Trent City Council had handed the keys to the gate at the entrance of the car park to a householder.
He is now demanding the authority resolves the problem.
The 34-year-old, from Penkhull, said: "I wanted to start jogging as I plan to take part in a boxing match in June and need to get fit.
"I decided on going to Westport Lake as it's got some nice scenery to enjoy while running.
"I never saw any signs to say the car park was going to be locked so I thought I would be OK."
Nick, who was with partner Tayah Kansik, arrived at the lake at about 8pm on Wednesday.
They went to leave at 8.30pm and found the gates locked.
Company director Nick said: "We couldn't believe it.
"We went round and found a couple in a car and they said they knew who had the key and went to get it.
"When the lady came back I asked why she had locked us in and she said she was doing it on behalf of the council. She let us out."
Tayah, who used to run at the lake last year, says the gate was not locked then.
The 27-year-old personal trainer said: "It's a good spot to come to and I was shocked when the gates were locked.
"With the weather being so nice people will be staying at the lake a little later and it doesn't seem fair that one person has the right to decide when it closes."
The couple claim they never noticed a makeshift A4 sign which had been placed by the gates advising visitors the barrier would be locked at 9pm.
Nick added: "I have spoken to other visitors in the park and they say they have experienced similar problems.
"I know there have been families who have had to leave their cars here and get taxis as they were locked in."
Fellow jogger Sam Bourne, aged 24, a truck driver, from Penkhull, said: "I came down earlier in the week at about 8pm and the gate was locked so I had to park up the road and walk down.
"It's a shame as it could put people off visiting a really nice area."
The Sentinel tracked down the resident with the key, who says she is simply trying to keep the area safe.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There is already a sign that has been there for a long time which states that the gates will be locked at dusk. I lock them when it goes dark.
"There used to be a security guard who would lock it and when he went someone needed to do it.
"We want to avoid boy racers and people like that from congregating down there."
The council confirmed the key had been given to a resident as part of an "informal arrangement" several years ago.
A spokesman for the authority said: "We are aware of gates being locked on the car park at Westport Lake.
"There is a key-holder and we will be discussing the issues that have been raised with them."
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