Mixed reaction to carpark restrictions at SuperValu Cookstown

The Hub’s Carol Doey, has voiced concern over the move amid worries that in the future, charges could be introduced at the Town Hall carpark, just opposite.

But the move was said to be necessary to stop all-day parkers taking advantage of the free spaces, according to SuperValu’s manager, as they were leaving no room for the supermarket’s shoppers.

Implemented by the two shops that own the parking lot - SuperValu and Home Bargains - the move means shoppers can still park for free, for up to two hours.

But if cars are left for longer than the allocated time, or parked where there are no marked-out bays - drivers risk being hit with a £70 fine.

Speaking to the Mail about the move, SuperValu’s manager, said: “There were people taking up our spaces [all day].

“Our car park’s a big carpark and we had elderly people down the back corner having to walk 500yds through the rain to get to us.

“The car park is for our customers, and two hours is enough time for anybody, even around Cookstown.

“The signs are up and we’ve been notifying people about it, and all the feedback that we have been getting in-store has been positive as well. Not one person who is a genuine customer has complained.”

However Mrs Doey, who runs the Hub, which backs on to the carpark in question, said: “It’s just so detrimental to the whole street, which has only just picked up.

“The Burn Road is now hiving, it’s the hub of the town, and now they bring this in, and people’s going to say, ‘Well, you know what, I can’t be bothered’.”

Pleading her case for free, un-timed parking, she added: “Let Cookstown be outstanding. Let’s stay unique. Let’s not pay for car-parking spaces.”

Some shoppers who were approached by the Mail, however, said they agreed with the move.