Boycott threat after Telford supermarket car park camera signs are approved
Residents in Telford have vowed to boycott their Morrisons supermarket after councillors approved plans that pave the way for a registration plate recognition camera on the community car park.
They say restrictions on the car park at Lawley Square will clog residential roads with vehicles, affect other shops and businesses in the area and affect community events.
The first, the Lawley Fun Run is just five weeks away and organisers fear the 250 participants will have nowhere to park.
Telford and Wrekin planning committee has given its officers delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions, for 11 signs on the car park, informing motorists of the cameras.
Councillors said they were doing so reluctantly, stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor parking at the site were originally rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council but were later approved after an appeal to a planning inspector.
Members of Telford & Wrekin Council voted last night to approve the signs, which will restrict parking at the store. About 100 residents packed into the meeting to hear the decision.
Councillor Peter Scott, said: “We have total sympathy with residents but our decision over the camera was overturned by the inspector. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Councillor Jayne Greenaway urged: “Don’t impose restrictions that will kill off our small businesses.”
The issue has provoked strong reactions from local residents, politicians and businesses who have warned of the impact it will have on the local community and economy.
Call for talks with supermarket bosses
Now the leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has written to Morrisons bosses at a supermarket to request talks over parking restrictions.
Councillor Shaun Davies wants to meet with Morrisons and car park operator Euro Parks.
At the meeting John Yorke, of Lawley Community Association said: “We have a community car park, one that at present services a diverse range of retail and community interests. It should remain as it is now.”
Richard Hindley, of Lawley Running Club, said he was concerned about the annual 5k fun run on September 7 which is raising money for the Blood Bike charity.
“We now have a major problem, where are the 250 people who take part going to park. As a running club meeting at the square three times a week, we bring a lot of footfall to Morrisons,” Mr Hindley said.
Janice Keyes said: “I live very close to Morrisons but I have stopped shopping there, what they are doing is disgraceful.
“I moved to Telford because of its community spirit but Morrisons is threatening to damage that.”
Sallyann Burdon said: “There are many events that centre around Lawley Square, like our carol service. How can these events continue with parking restrictions.”
Stuart Macdonald said: “People taking their children to the local nursery or Lawley primary school park at Morrisons. They will all be looking for spaces on our roads to park.”
Facilities
Ben Trumpeter said: “What happens if a child run out from between the parked cars. There could be a kid’s death here.”
Following the meeting Councillor Davies said: “The car park is in the centre of the community and provides parking facilities that support the retail and business facilities in the centre of Lawley in addition to the community facilities. Some residents also have allocated parking.
“Without this facility, parking could be dispersed to the detriment of highway safety and potentially the economic wellbeing of the area.
“If visitors are unable to park, potentially they may take their business elsewhere and the village as a whole may suffer – including the potential for Morrison’s to lose customers.
“Therefore I would like to meet with Morrison’s and Euro Parks’ representatives to ensure where possible any harm to the area can be limited.
“This includes understanding how this can be controlled including what is the time limit for people to park and whether there is any flexibility around this.”
A spokeswoman for Morrisons previously said it wanted to bring in a new parking system at the site because customers said they find it difficult to find a space in the car park during busy periods.
