The bollard making people feel a Lidl bit safer
Loved by shoppers and feared by drivers, a bollard is helping people feel safer in a car park as it prevents motorists from speeding.
The black and yellow striped-post, which had recently received a festive makeover and googly eyes, has gained popularity since its installation in the Lidl car park in Netherfield, Nottinghamshire.
So much so that there are two dedicated Facebook pages and Mr Post - as he is now known - has its own listing as a "tourist attraction" on Google Maps.
David Moore, who visits the shop in Victoria Road every day, says the addition makes people feel safer.
The 79-year-old shopper, who lives in the area, said he noticed drivers speeding in other car parks and trolley shelters getting smashed.
But not at his local Lidl.
Located next to a zebra crossing outside the shop, Mr Post is significantly bigger than other metallic bollards.
"I think every shop should have [a bollard]," he added.
"People need to learn not to speed around. That bollard improved safety."
His feelings have been echoed by Thelma Aris, from Bulcote, who drove to Lidl and said: "Supermarkets should have protection for shoppers."
At the Lidl car park, she said she was "amazed" when she witnessed an SUV crashing into the striped bollard.
"He drove straight into it," she said. "It absolutely wiped the front of his car.
"That's the only accident that I've seen. The bollard has marks now."
Fred Todd, from Netherfield, said he had personally seen the post knocked over four times, once because an SUV had backed into it.
But he added: "I love it, it's a talking point, every time you come it's either up or been knocked down."
When the BBC went to speak to shoppers outside Lidl, Mr Post had been stripped of its festive accessories.
It was Rachel Snarr's idea to place the Santa hat, saying it would put a smile on people's faces.
"It's just for the community really," she said at the time.
"This time of year, not everybody enjoys Christmas so if they have something fun to look at and read, then why not?"
While the festive outfit might now be gone, Mr Post has been standing high and tall in the car park since its installation.
The post was grey at first, but it was then given a coat of yellow paint after it was hit by a number of cars.
Since that did not stop it from clashing with drivers, Mr Post received additional black and fluorescent stripes.
Mr Post is also known on social media as Netherfield Can Opener, with a Facebook page describing it as a "hungry bollard" which protects "the innocent by eating vehicles and taking them off the road".
A reviewer on its Google Maps listing has written: "[It's] claimed more vehicles than a demolition derby, and still stands tall, mocking unsuspecting shoppers, one door panel at a time."
Another added: "Legend has it that he only reveals himself to those who are worthy. If you are not deemed worthy, then he turns invisible and attacks your car as you pass by."
A spokesperson for Lidl said the safety of customers was its "top priority".
"Whilst the bollard has certainly made an impression, it's there for a good reason – to protect pedestrians using the designated path in the car park," they said.
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