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Full
Details concerning the decision to relocate the pillar box from outside the
Post Office to the entrance of the Car Park by The Green (some 40 yards).
Some
two years or so ago concerns were raised with the Parish Council regarding
the dangers to pedestrians who were having to walk in the road (especially
mothers with pushchairs) when cars parked with their wheels partly on the
pavement outside the Post Office.
A full survey was undertaken by 3 councillors over a period which clearly
showed this was a common problem. Also cars that parked outside the Post
Office but not on the pavement were causing traffic problems.
Accordingly a site meeting was arranged between the Parish Council, the
Postmistress and an Engineer from Chelmsford Borough Council, Highways
Department.
It was agreed that the preferred option to prevent parking was the erection
of bollards but this was not possible as due to the positioning of the
pillar box there was insufficient room for pedestrians with prams and
invalid cars.
The Parish Council therefore agreed to recommend the removal of the pillar
box to its present location. Delay was caused initially as Royal Mail
advised the old ‘GR’ pillar box would have to be replaced with a modern
version for a move to be possible. This was considered to be detrimental to
the status of the Conservation Area if the old pillar box was lost but
consequently after a period of time Royal Mail then decided that the
original box could be moved. Accordingly the move took place.
Whilst all this long drawn out procedure was going on, representations were
made to the Police who issued a notice for display in the Post Office
warning that parking outside was illegal and offenders were liable to
prosecution if caught. Also arrangements were made for regular visits by
Traffic Wardens from Chelmsford and whilst their short presence has deterred
parkers as soon as they leave the problem reoccurs.
Now
that the pillar box is relocated the Council will gather further information
and decide whether the erection of bollards is necessary as it has been seen
that part of the parked car nuisance has now been eradicated. Whilst it is
appreciated some parishioners on the north side of the Green have been
inconvenienced by the re-sitting, conversely many parishioners have
indicated an agreement with the move. Finally the problem would be totally
solved if the double yellow lines (which Chelmsford Borough Council have
been requested to repaint to highlight their presence) were respected by all
drivers. There is a car park only a few yards away and the Police confirm
that even disabled badge holders should not park outside the Post Office in
view of the proximity to a junction.
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