TESCO in Ilminster have recently reduced their free carparking times which has resulted in many local business owners “fearing for the future of their businesses”.

Tesco have been made aware of how their change is “having a direct negative impact on trade within the town”, yet still recently rejected reinstating the original parking hours after receiving a letter from Ilminster’s Chamber of Commerce.

Tesco was built on Ilminster’s main town carpark and originally measures were put in place to secure the outgoing use of the carpark for those using other facilities in the town.

Whilst there were initial concerns at the time, up until recently the balance was respected with the original three hours of carparking working for many until Tesco’s recent reduction in car parking hours.

Many locals feel “disappointed and let down” by this sudden change, calling it an “obvious attempt to harm local businesses for the benefit of Tesco.”

The supermarket chain said the change would allow them to "better manage" spaces in their car park.

Consequently, many are once again feeling concerned for the future of small businesses in Ilminster.

A town spokesperson said: “The change is having a huge negative impact upon trade. People don’t have time to browse, which is devastating for businesses who rely on those people. All we can do is appeal to Tesco and ask them to please support the town’s small businesses and their local community by reinstating three hours parking.

“Many people seem to be misunderstanding this situation and thinking its an ‘anti-Tesco thing. Its not. It’s about being part of a community and doing what we can for the benefit of said community.

“This isn’t just about shops; people’s livelihoods are at stake.”

A spokesperson for Café Square said: “It has affected us because people don’t have time to park, come here and have their breakfast and then go back and shop for their groceries.

“Ilminster is like a ghost town now, with the bank closures causing reduced foot traffic and now because people can’t park for long enough.”

A spokesperson for The Kitchen on Silver Street said: “Market day on a Thursday, I think you'll find, has been significantly affected.

"Thursday has become a very quiet day of the week for us sole traders in town. The little charity shop, in front of our cafe, is really struggling to stay open. This is for animal sanctuary, a much-needed charity.

“I have many people phone, when booking tables, asking us about parking, and where to park. Unfortunately, there are few spaces left in car parks now, and some customers, find they have nowhere.”

Adam Dance MP, has called for a rethink, he said: “The parking changes by Tesco is having an unfortunate impact locally and I urge Tesco to rethink this decision, especially as an organisation that prides itself of local community benefit. I want to meet with Tesco to discuss this further and I urge any affected resident or business to get in touch.” 

For the majority of the week at the Ilminster Superstore there is now a reduced maximum stay of two hours in the car park, with shorter time limits in the evening and outside of store opening hours.

Tesco assures the community that they want to make sure all their customers and visitors can park for enough time to shop and browse at a pace which suits them.

If a customer does need extra time they can speak to colleagues in the store about their concerns.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “It is important to us that all our customers can find a space when they visit our stores. The parking limits are in place at our Ilminster Superstore to allow us to better manage spaces, and to deter anti-social behaviour in the car park at night, especially outside of opening hours.”