THERE are no plans to introduce restrictions at a 'unique' car park in Northumberland.
The Co-op store in Prudhoe announced it would install an ANPR camera in its car park in 2025, which 'upset many residents', according to county councillor, Gordon Stewart.
A Co-op spokesperson has now said that there are no restrictions planned at the site, described as a 'huge boost to Prudhoe town centre and residents' by Cllr Stewart.
The plans were to install the camera, which would collect details of all vehicles leaving and entering the car park, and if cars stayed past a certain time, the owners would receive a payment request.
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Cllr Stewart, who represents the Prudhoe South ward where the car park is located, said 'such a move would cause a huge amount of damage to the well-being of the town centre, including the Co-op, potentially closing many small businesses and creating job losses'.
Cllr Stewart has said that there are planning conditions relating to the site which date back to the 1980s, preventing any car park restrictions.
He added that when residents saw the signage go up last year, the car park 'soon had less use, and the side streets were full, upsetting many residents'.
"I had numerous conversations with a senior manager at the Co-op headquarters, and I am now satisfied that the Co-op no longer has the appetite to introduce the restrictions," he said.
"But I will keep a close eye on any future intentions. Prudhoe Co-op car park is unique as it was handed over to the Co-op as part of a planning approval with conditions attached."
Cllr Stewart added: "Please respect the Co-op and do not leave your vehicle there without good reason, and continue to support the local store, which does a lot of great work in the community and employs fantastic local people."
A spokesperson for the Co-op said: "There are currently no plans for the introduction of car parking restrictions.
"Managing car park spaces is sometimes necessary, as it can avoid their misuse and ensure space remains available for customers.
"However, as a community retailer, where we do have to introduce car parking restrictions, we always aim to do this as fairly as possible and, for the benefit of the wider community, wherever possible."
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