Residents furious over 'Python-esque' Post Office parking

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New parking restrictions at the Hallcroft delivery office mean that residents can no longer park outside to collect their parcels.

Until last Monday, there were two parking spaces directly outside the Post Office on the Hallcroft industrial estate. But when Retford resident Gerald Bowers, 59, arrived to collect a parcel, he was stunned at what he found.

Double yellow lines flanked the kerb outside the Post Office, and Gerald said when he inquired inside he was told it was a council move.

"When somebody visits the Post Office there's no where to park!" he said.

"It's like something out of a Monty Python film. How is someone supposed to pick up a parcel? Who does these things?

"It's not the kind of thing you expect to happen in developed countries - I was waiting for Jeremy Beadle to appear.

"And people can't use the car park either, I was told by the Post Office staff it's for 'authorised vehicles' only.

"My wife orders a lot of parcels these days, like most people, so I'm there a lot. And the opening hours don't make things any easier."

Gerald shared his frustration on Facebook, and many were equally incensed and bemused at the new restrictions.

Louise Womack said: "What a load of bananas how do the council think people get up there to collect their parcels."

And Andrew Bowness said: "I went up there a fortnight ago and was shocked to see all these double yellows! Pure cash cow to be!"

Via East Midlands, who manage highways on behalf of Notts County Council, said the restrictions were put in place at the request of local businesses.

Ian Parker, district manager at Via, said: "The waiting restrictions close to the Royal Main depot on Aurillac Way were introduced following a 37-signature petition signed by businesses operating in the industrial estate, who experience access problems relating to parking that directly affected their business.

"Consultation and advertisement of the proposals took place and all businesses within the estate were contacted as part of the process."

Graham Oxby, the Retford north councillor for Bassetlaw District Council, said: "I don't know the situation fully but I can sympathise with the visitors that need to go to the post office.

"Where are they going to park now? I wasn't aware of it until now but I'll make it my business to find out what's going on."

There are a handful of other spaces near the delivery office, but they are often taken up by other businesses on the industrial estate.