News / Whitchurch

Church lashes out at people using car park to go elsewhere

By Charlie Watts  Friday May 12, 2023

A church in south Bristol has condemned people for using its car park to go elsewhere.

St Augustine’s Church in Whitchurch says its car park fills up every day with people going to other places, namely the local school.

In a statement on social media, the church on the junction of Whitchurch Lane and East Dundry Road said it has “tried really hard to be nice” about the situation.

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The post said: “We’ve asked nicely, we put up signs, but we just get ignored. In fact on more than one occasion volunteers have received abuse from people when they’ve asked them not to park.”

St Augustine’s Church in Whitchurch has hit out at people using its park car park to go elsewhere – photo: Charlie Watts

The Church of England church, which is opposite Bridge Farm School, is in use every day.

The post added: “Let’s take Wednesday as an example. In the morning we have a service. We then have a bereavement group for people who’ve lost a loved one, then we have community cafe, finally we have rainbows and brownies.

“Every single group using the church has complained to Sam [priest in charge] about parking issues. We’ve had disabled people drive away because they can’t park.

“Please, if you’re going to the school, don’t park here.”

In response, Bridge Farm School has asked people to refrain from parking in the church car park – photo: Charlie Watts

Bridge Farm School addressed the matter in its weekly newsletter on Friday.

It said: “We politely ask that our school community shows consideration and kindness to the members of St Augustine’s Church, and we ask you to please refrain from parking in the church car park.”

Bristol24/7 has also contacted the school for comment.

Main photo: St Augustine’s Church

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