MORE than 100 people have put their names to a petition for better access to their post office.

Postmaster Syed Jaffrey acted after fearing for the safety of the 2,000 customers using Baddeley Green Post Office every week.

The branch, on busy Baddeley Green Lane, used to have off-road parking until bollards were put up at the front of the shop last year.

It means customers have to park and then cross the main road or struggle to find a space on the narrow Felsted Street, which also has double yellow lines in parts and operates a one-way system.

Now Mr Jaffrey wants short-stay parking set up on Felsted Street.

He said: "We are a very busy post office and people don't just come here from down the road or the next street, they often have to drive and need somewhere safe and legal to park.

"I just want something done before someone gets hurt."

Mr Jaffrey, who has run the post office for more than two years, added: "I completely understand why the council put the bollards up but it hasn't helped parking.

"Many of the people who come here are elderly or disabled and having to park on the main road and then cross is not good enough for them.

"Other people park on double yellow lines on the corner of Felsted Street and I have seen near accidents many times. It is a disaster waiting to happen."

Most of the customers are backing the parking campaign.

Disabled Barbara Millwood, aged 70, of Baker Crescent, said: "I use this post office because it is so handy to do my banking.

"But there is hardly anywhere to park and it is difficult because I can't walk very far."

Retired Sheila Dunlop, aged 69, of Normandy Grove, said: "I live between two post offices but like to drive to this one.

"Double yellow lines on Felsted Street mean it is difficult to park so sometimes you have to go away and go back again a bit later."

Self-employed Bruce Green, aged 56, of Field Avenue, said: "I will walk to the post office or go on my bike if I know it is busy but I would prefer to go in the car.

"People don't spend a great deal of time here so if we got some extra spaces just for a limited amount of time it would help."

Mr Jaffrey has presented his 114-name petition to Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is waiting for a response.