Post office may be forced to close due to parking problems

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.surreyherald.co.uk/surrey-ne ... -27304601/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

POST Office workers in Walton fear their shop will be forced to close because yellow lines have made it impossible for their customers to park anywhere.

The lines appeared on Hersham Road two weeks ago and staff have noticed a severe decline in the number of people using the shop ever since.

Staff who work at the Royal Mail's Delivery Office next door used to park on the road but they have been forced to use the few off-road parking bays, leaving no room at all for customers.

Preet Atwal, the shop's post mistress, said she has already had to reduce staff hours simply because there are not enough people coming in to serve.

She said: “We have no customers because people cannot park and so they do not come in. People have to come here to collect their parcels so they cannot get their parcels either because of the lines.

“The shop has been totally dead. There has been a really noticeable drop off.

“I don't think I will be here too long if the lines stay there. I have had to reduce the number of hours people are working simply because there are not enough customers.”

Mrs Atwal hopes a petition she plans to start might be able to change the situation that threatens to rob the community of its post office.

Surrey County Council, who are responsible for the painting of the lines, say they had carried out 'considerable local consultation' before carrying out the work.

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “The restrictions were imposed because Hersham Road was being used as a car park, with cars parking on both sides of the road causing congestion and safety issues.

"There are some limited parking bays on the other side of the road which post office customers can use. It was not possible to put such bays on the post office side of the road as there are houses with driveways.

"The post office also has parking available on its forecourt."

[Lounge Lizard]

Too many residents of Surrey owning cars, that's the problem.