Ebay Hits Askam
by Sally Sandrat
The Internet auction site Ebay is taking its toll on our once tranquil village. A new generation of shoppers has evolved. They have turned
their backs on Portland Walk and the out of town retail parks in nearby Barrow and are spending all their time and money searching out bargains
on Ebay in the comfort of their own homes.
Young entrepreneurs are springing up throughout the village, selling everything from their
grannies false teeth to the kitchen sink.
The post office in Dalton Road is finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the increasing
number of parcels. If this continues extra staff will be needed to maintain its efficiency. The upstairs living accommodation would have
to double up as a storage area. Ebayers are requested not to go to the post office on Tuesday, as this is pension day. The staff is already
stretched issuing pensions, gas and electric stamps and making council tax payments. Because of its size it is unable to provide seating
for the village elders, or provide them with shelter from the inclement weather when they are queued the length of Dalton Road. They are
advised to take a flask and a packed lunch and not to forget to take any medication they may need, as there will be no medical staff in attendance.
The increased number of parcels to be delivered by the village postman has also increased and is causing him to shrink. He has lost almost two inches in height over the last twelve month. He now stands at 4'7".
The local doctor is concerned that browsing the categories and placing bids is detrimental to the health of his patients. He has seen an increase in the number of patients d isplaying symptoms of anxiety and myopia, which he believes, is linked to Ebay users. However he does have a good range of readyspecs with a starting bid of 99p or Buy It Now for £4.99
