Irresponsible parking is "crucifying" a village's only shop, it has been claimed.

Shopkeeper Maggie Waddington, owner of Great Oakley's Mini Stores, said she was also concerned the congestion would cause an accident.

She said her vital early morning trade had dropped-off because the High Street was too clogged for customers to park.

The grocers is the only shop in the village after Great Oakley Post Office shut two years ago, blaming a lack of trade for its closure.

Mrs Waddington, who has worked at the stores for 26 years, said people who bought morning papers were put off because there was nowhere to pull over.

She said: "A lot of people have started parking overnight in the street and so there is nowhere for people to stop in the morning and pop into the shop.

"People used to come and get their papers and little bits but now they just go somewhere else instead it soon mounts up."

Parish council hairman Bill Baker said: "The parking is crucifying her early morning business."

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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