Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

Store joins those charging

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FREE parking in Widnes has been dealt a second body-blow after Morrisons revealed it now also plans to introduce charges.

The new owners of Green Oaks Shopping Centre recently sparked outrage by installing ticket machines and number plate recognitio­n cameras, announcing plans to charge visitors £1 a day, but that this would not include the neighbouri­ng Morrisons store.

Halton Council said it had been ‘left in the dark’ by the move, while the town’s MP Derek Twigg branded it ‘totally short-sighted’.

An online petition opposing the charges has already gathered more than 1,100 signatures.

But now the supermarke­t giant has said it too will start charging anyone who stays beyond an initial two-hour limit.

Free parking had been seen as a vital draw to attract shoppers to the town, providing an advantage over rival destinatio­ns such as Warrington. But now both car parks, which are also used by visitors to the town centre and Widnes Market, look set to be subject to charges.

The Green Oaks charges are set to start on May 10, with the Morrisons parking regime beginning on May 19.

A spokespers­on for Morrisons said the move was to stop its car parking spaces being ‘abused’ and to ensure there are enough spaces for its customers.

The said customers will still be able to shop for free for two hours but that if they needed longer they should speak to the customer service desk.

They said: “We will shortly be introducin­g a two-hour maximum stay to ensure that there are enough spaces for our customers in the car park.

“Signage will be going up this week but the new parking system will not be introduced until May 19.”

 ?? ?? ● Morrisons in Widnes is the latest town centre business to introduce parking charges. (Phone lines open 9:30am – 5:30pm Monday – Friday & 9am – 4:30pm Saturday)
● Morrisons in Widnes is the latest town centre business to introduce parking charges. (Phone lines open 9:30am – 5:30pm Monday – Friday & 9am – 4:30pm Saturday)

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