Shawbury landlord installs customer only barrier on car park

A frustrated landlord at a north Shropshire pub has installed a barrier to ensure only customers use his car park. Alan Houlihan runs the Elephant and Castle pub in Shawbury.

He has warned drivers to stop using his car park, which he says he has been forced to close when the pub isn't open.

He claims the car park gets so busy because of people stopping off to visit shops in the village that his own customers have been forced to park further afield.

He said: "The car park next to the pub is completely owned by myself.

"I can't understand why people aren't using the proper village car park by the village hall.

"It is well signposted, so there's no excuse.

"Non-customers using my car park seem to be ones who quickly stop in the village to pick up few bits from the other shops.

"There is also a problem with people littering in the car park."

Jack Wilson, parish clerk for Shawbury Parish Council, said: "The parish council is aware of the issue with parking and we notice the landlord has put up a barrier. Unfortunately, we have got our hands tied as it is a privately-owned car park.

"The problem is people are now parking on the roadside and pavements which is causing one or two problems with traffic.

"Shropshire Council has promised us they are going to create a new sign advertising the proper village car park which should help things."

A notice warning people against using the pub car park has also been posted on the village website.