Posties working at Ashford's sorting office have been told they can no longer park their cars at the site due to safety concerns.

Royal Mail says limited space in the yard at the Tannery Lane facility means staff will have to leave their vehicles elsewhere.

One worker told KentOnline that employees are now having to resort to parking in side streets and residential areas to avoid car park costs.

In a statement, Royal Mail says "health and safety of our colleagues is our number one priority".

"Ashford Delivery Office has limited space in its yard and this has resulted in an ongoing safety risk as our operational vehicles move on and off the site," the spokesman added.

"The parking of private vehicles within the yard has increased this safety risk through heightening congestion.

"Following a review in conjunction with our union, we have stopped private vehicles parking in the yard.

"We have worked hard to secure alternative parking for our colleagues at discounted rates in other nearby locations.

"Additionally we have increased the cycle storage capacity on site."

In 2019, Royal Mail said it had "no intention" of closing the site after Ashford Borough Council documents stated the office was "likely to move elsewhere to a bespoke unit" in the "medium to long term".

It came as company bosses objected to plans to build 243 flats on the adjacent Kent Wool Growers site, citing fears over noise and "inappropriate balconies".

A year earlier, chiefs said there is not enough room outside the sorting office to introduce any car park spaces for people picking up parcels.

Residents have long called for parking to be offered at the site, which is surrounded by double-yellow lines.

Drivers are forced to leave their cars outside the office, running the risk of being ticketed by traffic wardens.

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