Courier pleas for extra loading bays

THE job of a courier is not a very easy one when it comes to deliveries around the town of Castlebar. Or any busy town for that matter.

There is only one loading bay between Main Street and Market Square in the county town and that has only room for one truck and two vans.

As a result, they are forced to use parking spaces, which do not always meet the approval of local traffic wardens, who have their own jobs to do.

One member of the profession, Ballyhaunis-based Tom Dillon, dropped into the offices of The Connaught Telegraph to outline his frustration in the hope that highlighting the matter may bring about a resolution.

He stated: “I have been coming to Castlebar delivering parcels for the past 17 years. In that time I have not caused a traffic jam or accident as a result of where I am forced to park as a result of the fact that there is only one loading bay.

“I am in the town centre for about 30 to 45 minutes maximum most days between Main Street and Market Square.

“Everybody else is catered for in the town with car parks, taxi ranks, disabled parking bays, four of which are outside the Credit Union offices alone.”

Mr. Dillon said the situation can be easily resolved by providing two loading bays on Main Street and two on Market Square.

“All couriers and delivery men want is to do their job,” he added.

When Main Street was redesigned a number of years ago, it did not make provision for enough loading bays.

Since then, the use of couriers by retailers and members of the public has risen considerably.

Mr. Dillon wrote to Councillor Michael Kilcoyne about the matter and some discussions have taken place with Castlebar Municipal District.

The issue of lack of signage to divert drivers of HGVs from the town centre is another traffic problem the local authority needs to address.

It would not take a lot to resolve either one.