"This town is getting like a ghost town"

[tek-monkey]

I'd like to add I don't use the bus unless I really need to, due primarily to cost. The short busy routes are run at a large profit to subsidise the long empty ones, AFAIK the taxpayer only covers the pensioners free travel. I have no problem with doing this, even as a non driver I think it's often better than them being behind the wheel.

 

[Mudhoney]

I agree with the price of parking being comparatively cheap in Stafford. We (i.e. my family) often park at Sainsbury, nip into the town centre and then finish of picking up some groceries from the big 'S' on the way back which means up to a £1.50 refund. My main gripe is getting caught out on time. We try to build in time for the grocery shopping, but Sainsbury have a habit of not having enough staff on the tills on a Saturday. Those parking enforcers on their car parks are like sharks waiting for their pound of meat. One time I had to abandon the trolly at the check-out cos we ran out of time.

 

[Gramaisc]

We try to build in time for the grocery shopping, but Sainsbury have a habit of not having enough staff on the tills on a Saturday.

Going into a supermarket on a Saturday is a self-inflicted wound. Lidl - around seven in the evening - civilisation.

 

[tek-monkey]

Agreed, although I still go to Lidl on a Saturday sometimes if they have some good half price offers on. Not had many recently though, I'm waiting on the half price steak mince again. Was expecting it to have happened by now, thought all the horse scandal stuff would have meant they were desperate to sell it!

 

[Mudhoney]

I am a Lidl fan too, I normally try and pick up the minimum we need from Sainsbury, then nip over to Lidl to finish off the shop... which can be an 'interesting' experience on a Saturday. My wife thinks it's a bit 'down-market' for her (hum..don't you know) but usually smiles when she sees the bill.

 

[tek-monkey]

I find most of the stuff there better quality by far than similar priced supermarket fayre, just don't choose branded goods. Or rather UK branded goods.

 

[ChrisLewis]

I agree with the price of parking being comparatively cheap in Stafford. We (i.e. my family) often park at Sainsbury, nip into the town centre and then finish of picking up some groceries from the big 'S' on the way back which means up to a £1.50 refund. My main gripe is getting caught out on time. We try to build in time for the grocery shopping, but Sainsbury have a habit of not having enough staff on the tills on a Saturday. Those parking enforcers on their car parks are like sharks waiting for their pound of meat. One time I had to abandon the trolly at the check-out cos we ran out of time.

Not sure how many people are aware of the ability to now pay for parking and indeed top-up your parking with SBC nehttp://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cash-free-parkingw service

 

[proactive]

Not sure how many people are aware of the ability to now pay for parking and indeed top-up your parking with SBC nehttp://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cash-free-parkingw service

Slight error in your link, Chris.

http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/cash-free-parking

 

[zebidee]

I'd like to add I don't use the bus unless I really need to, due primarily to cost.

Agreed. When I have to use the bus to get town and take the child-fare-paying-no-chance-of-getting-away-with-it 5 yo it's ridiculous. Was a time when paying by a note was considered bad form on buses, now it's necessary.

So mostly I'm evil and make her walk the mile there and back instead.

 

[tek-monkey]

We walk as a rule anyway, a mile each way is good for them!

 

[John Marwood]

I use the sewers

Slide in from Doxey on the main

Saves parking and nobody ever bothers you

 

[zebidee]

We walk as a rule anyway, a mile each way is good for them!

Yeah, it's just carrying their crap that becomes a problem, especially if you've bought anything (UNLIKELY )

 

[Trumpet]

Yeah, it's just carrying their crap that becomes a problem, especially if you've bought anything (UNLIKELY )

A rucksack full of tinned food each would do them a power of good.

 

[tek-monkey]

I'm not so sure, I have an admittedly large rucksack I use daily and fill with shopping and just lately keep putting my shoulder out!

 

[monkey bidness]

I'm not so sure, I have an admittedly large rucksack I use daily and fill with shopping and just lately keep putting my shoulder out!

What shoulder? You don't appear to have any in your picture.

 

[tek-monkey]

That picture was taken pre-op, see here for more details:

 

[monkey bidness]

At last, an Explanation of your obsessive search for the perfect Cider. Admit it, you are really seeking Salamader Goo.

 

[tek-monkey]

A golden metaphor, I seek that drink that shall allow me to throw off my physical shackles and be born anew. Transcended!