Topic ID 6603
I see the Co-Op in Bengeo is closing for almost a week for some sort of refurb. I suppose it is because Sainsburys will be opening about the same time and may take a few customers? Not sure exactly what more they can do with the limited space they have.
Reply ID 88309
The did the same thing about 4 years ago. Closed for a week for a refurb. I guess they just like to freshen things up once in a while.
Reply ID 88312
Being such a small store and so well used, the fittings presumably require refurbishment fairly frequently. Again, because it is not of supermarket scale, it is not possible to compress stock into one area , whilst refurbishing another. I sincerly hope that Sainsbury's impact is minimal. The Co-op deserves the success it has enjoyed as a group, relative to larger supermarkets and this one allows on foot shopping for those who might have difficulty negotiating Port Hill.
Reply ID 88319
quote:I agree that the store provides a well used service for local residents. The problem is that a lot of those local residents seem to feel impelled to drive the short distance from their homes to the store. The parking is a real hazard, both to pedestrians and other drivers. People reversing out onto a busy bus route seem to expect other drivers to automatically let them out. Pedestrians traverse that section of footpath at their peril. People living opposite constantly have access to their properties blocked by inconsiderate drivers.
Originally posted by shunt
Being such a small store and so well used, the fittings presumably require refurbishment fairly frequently. Again, because it is not of supermarket scale, it is not possible to compress stock into one area , whilst refurbishing another. I sincerly hope that Sainsbury's impact is minimal. The Co-op deserves the success it has enjoyed as a group, relative to larger supermarkets and this one allows on foot shopping for those who might have difficulty negotiating Port Hill.
Reply ID 88328
quote:Agreed. I do try and walk if possible (not very often I admit). Vehicular visits are usually on the way to/from somewhere necessitating parking. Parkers should try and take the time to reverse in making exit swifter and safer. Other road users (as the old Highway Code used to call them) can see what you're up to reversing in and should show some patience. When you leave you can see what's coming and are not suddenly appearing backwards in to the main road in the path of the aforementioned bus. If there aren't any spaces - move on. How urgent is what you need that it can't wait a bit? I have always wondered if there is not some form of sensible reciprocal agreement re-parking to be made with the Bengeo Club?
Originally posted by buzzquote:I agree that the store provides a well used service for local residents. The problem is that a lot of those local residents seem to feel impelled to drive the short distance from their homes to the store. The parking is a real hazard, both to pedestrians and other drivers. People reversing out onto a busy bus route seem to expect other drivers to automatically let them out. Pedestrians traverse that section of footpath at their peril. People living opposite constantly have access to their properties blocked by inconsiderate drivers.
Originally posted by shunt
Being such a small store and so well used, the fittings presumably require refurbishment fairly frequently. Again, because it is not of supermarket scale, it is not possible to compress stock into one area , whilst refurbishing another. I sincerly hope that Sainsbury's impact is minimal. The Co-op deserves the success it has enjoyed as a group, relative to larger supermarkets and this one allows on foot shopping for those who might have difficulty negotiating Port Hill.
Reply ID 88329
I would expect the success of the store is partly, or perhaps largely, down to the location and that people choose to use it if they are passing. I hardly ever used the store unless I happened to be passing. In fact as I cycle everywhere I'd rather go to Waitrose or M&S than cycle up Port Hill. However when I drove more I would often pass the Co-Op on the way to collect my son from a childminder and that's when I would use it. However it also suffers from a lack of parking. I'd say about 50% of the time I wanted to stop and use it I gave up and drove on as there was no parking and I'm not one for dumping my car on a busy road and disrupting everyone else just so I can buy some bread.
Reply ID 88330
I live opposite the Co-op and the one thing I really hate is when returning from a holiday (and you just want to get in and unpacked) - find my drive is blocked. At least they have put in a new bollard to stop people parking up on the pavement before the railings o/s the Bengeo Club. This was a really dangerous place for people to park - especially when residents are trying to reverse out of their properties opposite. Despite the parking negatives - I really like the Co-op - the staff are great and I love getting a cold beer whenever I fancy !
Reply ID 88351
quote:I think the bollard was put there as a warning sign during hours of darkness of the railings, as it looks as if prior to its installation some loon had taken out the first section of the railings
Originally posted by theadmans
I live opposite the Co-op and the one thing I really hate is when returning from a holiday (and you just want to get in and unpacked) - find my drive is blocked. At least they have put in a new bollard to stop people parking up on the pavement before the railings o/s the Bengeo Club. This was a really dangerous place for people to park - especially when residents are trying to reverse out of their properties opposite. Despite the parking negatives - I really like the Co-op - the staff are great and I love getting a cold beer whenever I fancy !
Reply ID 88361
The railings have been "taken out" more than once and not always during hours of darkness
Reply ID 88368
quote:Such an agreement was mooted a couple of years ago, and actually got to the stage where a gap was made in the wall dividing the Co-op car park and the club car park, but the arrangement never actually went ahead and the wall was re-built. I understood at the time it was due to a problem about insurance.
Originally posted by Darcy Sartoquote:Agreed. I do try and walk if possible (not very often I admit). Vehicular visits are usually on the way to/from somewhere necessitating parking. Parkers should try and take the time to reverse in making exit swifter and safer. Other road users (as the old Highway Code used to call them) can see what you're up to reversing in and should show some patience. When you leave you can see what's coming and are not suddenly appearing backwards in to the main road in the path of the aforementioned bus. If there aren't any spaces - move on. How urgent is what you need that it can't wait a bit? I have always wondered if there is not some form of sensible reciprocal agreement re-parking to be made with the Bengeo Club?
Originally posted by buzzquote:I agree that the store provides a well used service for local residents. The problem is that a lot of those local residents seem to feel impelled to drive the short distance from their homes to the store. The parking is a real hazard, both to pedestrians and other drivers. People reversing out onto a busy bus route seem to expect other drivers to automatically let them out. Pedestrians traverse that section of footpath at their peril. People living opposite constantly have access to their properties blocked by inconsiderate drivers.
Originally posted by shunt
Being such a small store and so well used, the fittings presumably require refurbishment fairly frequently. Again, because it is not of supermarket scale, it is not possible to compress stock into one area , whilst refurbishing another. I sincerly hope that Sainsbury's impact is minimal. The Co-op deserves the success it has enjoyed as a group, relative to larger supermarkets and this one allows on foot shopping for those who might have difficulty negotiating Port Hill.
Reply ID 88369
I can confirm that the last post written about the Co-op parking options with the Bengeo Club were indeed over insurance. The cost was to be so prohibitive for both co-op and BWC members (ie: there would be quibbling over who's fault and if someone was parking there using neither co-op or club.. sad but the financial buzzards put paid to a sensible option of easing congestion....
Reply ID 88371
quote:Abso - flaming - lutely typical!!!. Nearly all of the "Health and Safety gone mad" conversations one has these days are actually rooted in insurers "protecting" their principals interests with little or no regard to whether their stipulations actually add to or improve safety! GRRRRRR!![:(!] Still - as mentioned before - perhaps we should be walking to the co-op, if able, anyway!
Originally posted by Drama Queen
I can confirm that the last post written about the Co-op parking options with the Bengeo Club were indeed over insurance. The cost was to be so prohibitive for both co-op and BWC members (ie: there would be quibbling over who's fault and if someone was parking there using neither co-op or club.. sad but the financial buzzards put paid to a sensible option of easing congestion....
Reply ID 88374
quote:Unfortunately this is the society we live in. Without this blame culture the insurance companies would not have gotten to this point where they try anything to avoid incidence. I heard that some ass is suing the canoe club (a voluntary organization) because he hurt himself. People don’t want to blame themselves if they can get a payout.
Originally posted by Darcy Sartoquote:Abso - flaming - lutely typical!!!. Nearly all of the "Health and Safety gone mad" conversations one has these days are actually rooted in insurers "protecting" their principals interests with little or no regard to whether their stipulations actually add to or improve safety! GRRRRRR!![:(!] Still - as mentioned before - perhaps we should be walking to the co-op, if able, anyway!
Originally posted by Drama Queen
I can confirm that the last post written about the Co-op parking options with the Bengeo Club were indeed over insurance. The cost was to be so prohibitive for both co-op and BWC members (ie: there would be quibbling over who's fault and if someone was parking there using neither co-op or club.. sad but the financial buzzards put paid to a sensible option of easing congestion....
Reply ID 88794
Popped in to post facelift Co-op yesterday - all a bit nicer. Is there more room to pass in the aisles or was that an illusion? Still a fag to park if you have to - no problems reversing in but the chaos that had ensued while I was in the shop (for five minutes) was something to behold. Cars parked accross the pavement blocking people in and then a delivery lorry arrived and parked on the pavement opposite (as cars were, inevitably, occupying the "no parking" box). All fun and games but not I suppose for Theadmans!
Reply ID 88795
I noticed they had re painted the lines outside but obviously that has made no difference some drivers still think they do not apply to them.
Reply ID 88797
quote:Problem is they're never enforced (I don't suppose anyone from the Co-op/Post Office would want to). Custom and practice appears to be "park where you can". Its all about impatience like most things these days. I can't imagine all visits are so urgent they can't wait a bit (or drive on and walk round a bit later if you can). I don't see there's a simple solution to this that suits most parties.
Originally posted by Marilyn
I noticed they had re painted the lines outside but obviously that has made no difference some drivers still think they do not apply to them.