Dismay at Wigan pub's new car parking scheme

Pub bosses are being urged to reconsider a controversial new car parking system.
The sign on the car park of The Stag Inn in OrrellThe sign on the car park of The Stag Inn in Orrell
The sign on the car park of The Stag Inn in Orrell

Orrell residents were dismayed to discover signs erected in the car park at The Stag Inn saying it was for customers only.

Other news: Wigan resident's anger over pallets left on community siteIt had previously been used by people visiting businesses in the area, due to limited parking around Orrell Post.

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There are now concerns about the impact the restrictions will have on nearby shops and that visitors will instead have to park further away, outside people’s homes.

Orrell councillor Michael Winstanley said: “I think it’s going to have an impact on the shops at Orrell Post as well as the residents. If you are going anywhere, there is nowhere to park now. It will push people further down Orrell Road and have a knock-on effect for local residents with on-street parking in the area.

“I’m asking the company, as a gesture of good will and being part of the community, to reconsider the changes.”

Orrell resident John Arrowsmith said: “This was an amenity used by people wanting to buy a paper, buy a bunch of flowers or have their nails done. In the morning or early afternoon, it’s not causing The Stag any problems because they are not full.”

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Some residents believe planning permission for the car park was granted by Orrell Urban District Council years ago on the condition it could be used by the community as it was a public right of way.

They are looking into this and have contacted Wigan Council about it.

Coun Winstanley has also written to pub operators Mitchells And Butlers to raise his concerns.

A spokesman for The Stag Inn said: “Recently we made a decision to introduce a parking monitoring system at The Stag Inn due to the over-use of the car park by non-guests of the pub, meaning at times people intending to visit the pub couldn’t as the car park was already full.

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“The new system asks guests visiting The Stag Inn to enter their car registration into a tablet located inside the pub, enabling them to use the car park.

"We’ve installed multiple signs inside the restaurant and across the car park informing guests of the new system. We’re also encouraging our staff to make sure guests are fully aware of the new parking arrangements.”