Action on Budgens' lorry problems

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 14th Jul 2007

After Abbots Langley councillors Matthew Bedford and David Major took up the complaints of local residents, Budgens have agreed to review the way goods are delivered to their store in the High Street.

The problems have come as the maximum size for HGVs has got larger over the years and lorries can no longer manoeuvre into the service area to the rear if the store. Lorries regularly mount the pavement and have demolished bollards erected to stop them.

Local residents have also complained of damage to hedges and walls, and that their driveways are regularly blocked. In addition, the lorries block the service road completely, preventing vehicles delivering to other shops from gaining access.

Matthew and David held talks on site with the company in a bid to solve the problems caused by the delivery vehicles.

Cllr David Major said, "We understand that Budgens need to make their deliveries, but we have also seen the problems caused near the store by the large vehicles.

"We need to find a solution that ensures the store remains in operation and that goods can be delivered. Budgens have responded positively to our concerns and will try out new lorries with rear steering to see if this can improve the situation".