Supermarket criticised over reduced parking hours

Parking at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Melksham has been reduced from three hours to two, prompting claims that a previous commitment to the town has been reversed.

The change, which came into effect recently, has drawn criticism from residents who say the supermarket introduced three hours’ free parking as a gesture of goodwill after its major expansion in 2011, which included the loss of around 400 trees.

Local resident Helen Reid said, “Many residents will remember that when the store expanded some years ago – removing a large number of trees and sparking a strong local campaign against the development – Sainsbury’s extended free parking to three hours as an apology to the community.

“That gesture was meant to acknowledge the environmental impact and disruption caused by the expansion. Now, without any apparent notice or consultation, that goodwill has been withdrawn.”

She added, “It’s disappointing to see a major retailer forget its earlier promise to the town that has supported it for so many years. I would encourage other residents who remember the same agreement to raise their concerns with both Sainsbury’s and the Town Council.”

At a recent town council meeting, Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said the three-hour limit was not part of the planning conditions but was an arrangement put in place between Sainsbury’s and the town council because of the trees that were felled.

She said she has requested the town council to revisit the matter at an upcoming meeting. “Town centres are dying and if supermarkets go from three to two and put ANPR cameras in, that is going to affect the number of people coming into town and I really do think as a town council we should look at that and look at what we can do to see whether or not we can get Sainsbury’s to change their mind,” she said.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said, “We regularly review parking arrangements at our stores to make sure they continue to meet customer needs and are in line with our contractual agreements. At our Melksham store, we’ve listened to customer feedback and have made an adjustment to the parking regulations to reduce congestion and help our customers find a space when they need one. These changes are clearly displayed on signage throughout the car park.”