PUB bosses have sent a blunt message to people using their car park to collect food from from the takeaway next door...

Lance and Sue Kilcommons, who run the Railway in Billericay High Street, have put out a sign telling cheeky drivers who stop there to call at the Domino’s branch next door to “pizza off”.

The pub has just four parking spaces and the couple say they are losing trade because customers’ cars are being squeezed out.

Mrs Kilcommons said: “We’ve always had a few problems with parking, because of all the shops and restaurants on the High Street, but since Domino’s opened, it’s got a lot worse.

“There just isn’t enough parking around here.

“It’s worst in the evening when people are picking up pizzas for dinner, but obviously that is also our busiest part of the day.

“We only have the four parking spaces, and at least one of is usually taken up by a member of staff.

“We know there is not really a lot we can do about it, so we thought we would try the sign.

“We have seen some people come into the car park, read it, and then pull out again, so it has made a bit of a difference.

“I just wouldn’t have the front to do something like that myself. If it was someone who has been into the pub before and they asked if they could park for a few minutes, of course we would say we don’t mind.

“It’s the cheek of total strangers doing it which annoys me.”

Domino’s opened in February, creating 25 jobs.

At the time the company insisted the shop would mainly be used as a base for home deliveries. However, customers can also collect and eat in.

The company originally asked Basildon Council to allow the takeaway to open until 5am daily, but was only allowed to open until 2am.