Problems with parked vehicles in Lion Street, usually delivering to the George hotel, eased recently because one of the main culprits, Turners Fine Foods from Cranbrook, went into administration at the end of July with the loss of hundreds of jobs.
A loading bay outside the George in the High Street, as well as a drop off point for visitors to leave their luggage, failed to solve the problems in the narrow Lion Street as these were frequently occupied by illegal parkers and there was no apparent enforcement by the police.
Sussex police says they do not have the resources to enforce parking regulations but will intervene if illegal parking causes major problems.
However last week's Rye News reported that a van had caused a 20 minute blockage by the Landgate which, on a Friday lunchtime in the holiday season, must have caused a tailback in Cinque Ports Street past the police station - and perhaps even further. However there was no reaction from the police station (supposed to be open at that time) and the bus eventually had to ease itself past the van.
But the alternative to the lack of police action is Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) and Rye Town Council has just voted not to support the introduction of CPE which is currently being considered by Rother District Council.
Former Rye Town Councillor Granville Bantick, who also chaired the Highways Forum, has been dismayed by this decision and has accused the town council of continued procrastination over the traffic chaos.
In the meantime though the demise of Turners Fine Foods has given Lion Street some (probably temporary) relief.
