PARKING charges are to be introduced at a Leominster supermarket.

Shoppers at the Co-operative store in Dishley Street, which recently received an investment of almost £1 million, will still be able to park their cars for free for 30 minutes but there will be a £1 charge after that.

This will be redeemable against a minimum spend in-store.

A spokesperson for the Co-op, said: “Managing car parking spaces is important and, the Coop believes that this should be done fairly.

“Some drivers had been parking for long periods, making it difficult for customers to find a space at times.

“After listening to our customers, controls will be introduced which will continue to allow up to one and a half hours of free parking for shoppers.”

However, one Leominster councillor fears the move could impact the store and other traders in the town centre. Cllr Felicity Norman said: “A lot of people come in, use the store and then use the shops in town.

“If it starts to charge it’s going to have a really big effect on the business itself and smaller shops.

“It will encourage people to go elsewhere where the parking is free, like Morrisons.

“It’s the effect on the town itself that particularly concerns me. It really is quite a worry.”

She added that the Co-operative store played an important role within the community – through its community pioneer scheme, hosting a defibrillator outside the store and by having a collection point for the Leominster food bank.

Parking charges in Leominster’s council-owned car parks increased earlier this year and a petition was launched calling for the decision to be reversed.