PARKING at Tesco in Beverley could be reduced from three hours to two if the supermarket giant gets its own way.
• Update: Tesco U-turn on cuts to free parking
Angry residents have voiced concerns over the supermarket's plans to reduce the free parking, despite stipulations from East Riding Council stating it is not allowed to.
When planning permission was granted, it was agreed one of the conditions would be that the supermarket provided three hours' free car parking to encourage shoppers to visit Beverley.
However, signs showing the reduction in hours have already gone up at the store.
Margaret McGlynn, from Leconfield, said: "I only found out about the changes by chance when I was meeting my friends in Beverley on Friday.
"I had parked in Tesco as I usually do, when my friends told me the store had changed its free parking time from three hours to two.
"I went back to the car park and, sure enough, they have placed a number two over the previous number three on the parking signs.
"It is very concerning how badly this has been advertised."
East Riding Council has intervened in the supermarket's plans.
An council spokesman said: "The council's position is that the planning and leasehold conditions specify three hours' parking.
"The council has now written to Tesco to say they should revert to the car parking arrangements as specified in the conditions."
According to reports, the changes were due to come into effect from Monday, September 2.
Mrs McGlynn sad: "If it doesn't come into force until then, then why have the signs been changed already.
"It really has been badly thought out.
"Apparently, staff are supposed to be telling customers of the changes at the checkout, but I have heard nothing when I have been shopping there."
Another resident, who wishes not to be named, expressed her concerns.
She said: "I am speaking for a lot of people here when I say this is a big worry for people in Beverley.
"When the land was taken from the Cattle Market, it was under the condition that free parking would be given on site for three hours.
"There are a lot of objections to Tesco's plans. Two hours' parking just isn't enough.
"It shouldn't be for the convenience of Tesco, it should be to help shoppers in the town."
Tesco said the issue was being investigated. A spokesman for the supermarket chain said: "We make every effort to accommodate our customers in the car park at our Beverley store and will not be charging customers for parking within the previous three-hour limit until the matter is resolved."
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