A CHURCH fears it will be unable to continue as a crucial food bank distribution centre if proposed parking restrictions are imposed by a council.

Slough Baptist Church, in Windsor Road, Slough, is particularly concerned about the impact of implementing double yellow lines along the road, and of those adjacent, will have on its services.

The church not only provides residents a place of worship but also acts as a distribution centre for Slough Foodbank, storing up to half a tonne of donations every week, as well as providing space for activities and community groups.

Reverend Andy Perryman said: "We want to see things in place for road safety particularly at road junctions, however it seems a bit excessive to make the entire length of the road double yellow lines."

He said although an agreement has been reached for two lots of unloading of the food bank van, volunteers need to park near the church in the evenings to stock up the food and organise the items - a vital part of the operation.

Sue Sibany-King, Slough Foodbank manager, said: "Around 70-75% of the people we feed are through that church. It is the most central of all our food banks.

"It wouldn't be possible for us to operate if we couldn't operate from there."

Both the church and residents who will also be affected say the information about the consultations was not communicated in good time and those who did manage to attend were unable to get in-depth questions answered.

Caroline Bilbrough, a resident in Hencroft Street who has organised an independent public meeting about the restrictions as well as a petition, said: "There are some issues but in general the parking works so we were surprised to get this."

She says residents are very concerned about the lacking of parking they will face if these restrictions are put in place.

She added: "These things make a big difference to our quality of life."

A Slough Borough Council spokesman said it is essential to keep Windsor Road clear as it is a major route in to Slough, advising Herschel car park as an alternative.

He said everyone in the area was written to about the plans and as the scheme is experimental for six months, residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues.

The Pavement Parking Scheme, which these yellow lines are proposed as part of, is being rolled out in five different wards and the restrictions will be implemented ward by ward over the coming month