Shoppers finally granted extra half hour at Fulwood retail park after complaints over time limit

The time limit has been changed to two and a half hours for shoppers

The Eastway Fulwood Central shopping park, which was first developed last year, gave shoppers just a two-hour window to complete their shopping at retail outlets, including Aldi and B&M Bargains.

Food and drink businesses such as Costa Coffee, Subway and Greggs are also open, although are currently only offering takeaway orders because of Covid-19.

But worsened by the Coronavirus pandemic, The Post reported that shoppers complained that the restrictions weren't clearly displayed and that socially distanced queues outside stores often meant they had no choice but to overstay.

Shoppers had previously pledged to boycott the retail park after a stream of fines were issued

Pictures were shared to social media yesterday, December 14, showing that the time limit has now been extended by half an hour, from the original two-hour restriction.

Some were keen to praise Euro Car Parks, the management company, for extending the time frame - where others still formed criticism.

One user said: "There are several large shops there now plus food outlets. I'm sure some people can easily spend that much time in the shops, going for something to eat and a drink and having a chat with friends."

Another said: "They have no consideration for people who are disabled and are unable to race around the shops and may need frequent breaks. They are losing money I may have otherwise spent when I have to cut short a shopping trip and leave to go home as my parking time is up."

Another comment read: "What a ridiculous timescale. It should be at least three hours, if not more. Who thinks of these things?"

But others were quick to praise the parking company, stating that 150 minutes was enough time.

Last month, the Post spoke to Adele Cannon, 55, from Cottam, who had overstayed at the car park by 15 minutes on October 3 whilst doing food shopping for herself and other vulnerable family members.

She added that it was 'too late' for her as she had already paid her fine.

According to the Euro Car Parks website, parking charge notices (PCNs) are issued when a vehicle has breached the terms and conditions of the car park - including failure to display a valid permit or ticket, misuse of disabled or child parking bays and not leaving the premises within an allocated time frame.

The Post has contacted Euro Car Parks for a comment.

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