Pole in South Oxhey road forces pensioners to walk further

Pensioners who play at the Pavilion Bowls Club in Green Lane were left “short of breath” on June 28 after they were stooped from driving directly to their clubhouse when a pole was erected on the road accessed by the club.   

Those who were less abled were forced to walk nearly 150 metres to their clubhouse.

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Members of the club believe it was erected by the leasehold owners of the Pavillion Family Bar and Restaurant, which has not been opened since 2018.

Members noticed the pole was put up on June 28. Picture: Raffaele Liquori

Raffaele Liquori, who joined the club last year, said: “Normally, those who are less abled drive to the front of the club.

“But since the pole went up, they have had to park in the car park nearly 150 metres away.

“Some are in their seventies and eighties and those of us who were more able helped them.

“It took them nearly 30 minutes to recover when they got to the clubhouse.”

He warned: “If something happens to one of the members, then the emergency services cannot get to them because of the pole.”

When the pole was down. Picture: Google Street View

Mr Liquori, who has lived in South Oxhey for 30 years, said if the pole is not lowered, some members said they may have to leave meaning the club could lose money and close.

He said he has tried to contact the owners of the pub by using the number on their Facebook page but has not been able to get through to them.

Raffaele Liquori. Picture: Kimberley Hackett

In addition, Mr Liquori is concerned with the rubbish that has piled up at the disused pub.

He said: “The pub is all overgrown. There is rubbish everywhere and you get foxes and rats.”

Rubbish has collected at the disused pub. Picture: Raffaele Liquori

Oxhey Hall and Hayling district councillor Andrew Scarth said he reported the problem to the Three Rivers District Council who own the land.

He said: “I am disappointed that the pole has been erected.

“The only people being harmed are the innocent members of the club enjoying their sport.”

The Pavillion Family Bar and Restaurant was approached for a response.  

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