To the editor:

Why are parents using the Barrington Post Office parking area to pick up their children after school lets out for the day at the middle school?

I was amazed when I arrived at the Post Office and there was one parking space left open for anyone who had business at the Post Office. I could not figure it out. When I accomplished what I had to do, I came out and saw kids in groups crossing the street and going into the parking lot. Cars started to move as children found a parent’s car while others were still searching. This could be an accident waiting to happen. Either there could be car accidents or even worse children could be hurt. But that does not even begin to explain the situation.

I asked someone who works at the post office how long this has been going on. The person that I asked said the Postmaster had tried repeatedly to stop it but he had not gotten anyone to help. I asked why the town doesn’t put up a sign that might say “PARKING FOR POST OFFICE PATRONS ONLY” or something like that.  

So I went to the public safety department and ask them about the situation. The police officer was very polite but he said there was nothing that they could do. He suggested that I go to the school department. At the school department I was greeted by a person who was also very nice but said that there was no one there that day that could help me. She asked for my contact information, which I gave her. She said that maybe parents don’t like parking on the side of the road. Then she added something like “Well parents will do what they will.”  

Barbara Flanders

Barrington