THE Waitrose supermarket in the centre of Malvern is taking steps to tighten up on the use of its car park.

The Worcester News understands the supermarket company has outsourced the running of its car park off Edith Walk to Britannia Parking Solutions.

The company intends to enforce a maximum two-hour stay, with a £70 fine for those who outstay the limit.

Reader Paul Turner said: "Outsourcing the parking effectively absolves Waitrose of any responsibility for complaints.

"The move seems to have been taken with out any consideration for the type of store, location and impact on the local community.

"The Waitrose car park is the only car park of any size (formerly it was council parking) located with easy access to the town and suitable for the elderly, young families, disabled or those with walking issues.

"I feel this corporate inconsideration will impact on a already struggling town centre and will drive the independents out of the town.

"Waitrose already offers free papers when you spend £10 and free coffee with a small purchase. This move is yet another way of starving the town of business.

"The signage for this change is two A4 sheets tied to the uprights outside the store, they are at low level and look like advertising for an event until you get close.

"We need to keep the town growing and make it great for visitors to come to not send them away with a £70 fine."

A Waitrose spokesperson said: "There's already a two-hour limit in our car park (and no need to buy anything in the shop) - we've been letting customers know that from July 27, the two-hour limit will be enforced. This is in response to demand from customers, who at the moment are often unable to find a parking space."