PEDESTRIANS and shop owners in Alton have raised concerns over arrangements for parking by market traders in Lady Place Car Park.
One shop owner has called the situation Òutterly ludicrousÓ, but the town clerk, Steve Parkinson, insists these are merely Ôteething troublesÕ, as the marketÕs new location in the High Street is still in its infancy.
Vans and lorries were jammed into every conceivable space of a large area in the corner of the car park last week for market day, making access to Market Square awkward for those travelling on foot.
Owner of Experience in Market Square, Lynn Ferne, told The Herald she had received complaints from customers who had caught their skirts on the vehicles while trying to squeeze between them, a mother who could not push her baby through in a buggy and that access to the Salvation Army clothes drop-off point was blocked.
There was also complaints from the elderly with shopping trolleys and disabled people, whose wheelchairs could not get through as the ramp access was blocked.
ÒOne customer told me that if this is what Alton is like they will no longer come here,Ó said Mrs Ferne. ÒThere are now three times more vans than ever before parked wherever they can. We were told this would never happen. In all the years I have been here I have never seen anything like this.Ó
The offending vans and lorries are parked within the Red Zone in the car park, which is designated for them, but town clerk Steve Parkinson told the traders they must leave a five foot gap to prevent access for pedestrians being blocked.
He said the problem should not overshadow the success of the market since its move to the High Street from Market Square.
ÒIÕm pleased to see the centre of Alton is becoming more popular again,Ó said Mr Parkinson. ÒComments from the public have been favourable so far. The market has grown from being just ten stalls to 20-something and people are using the shops too, with some shops taking advantage of this with special market day deals. Generally it is good for Alton.Ó
He said that while the area the traders were parked in had caused inconvenience the rest of the car park was busy, which was a Ôgood signÕ.
Mr Parkinson said that alternative parking was yet to be found and that parking in the current location was for a trial period only. Even Southern Market Traders, who operate the market, have voiced their concern on the matter as the current space prevents the public from parking, according to Mr Parkinson.
Mrs Ferne suggested a possible designated place where the vans could park out of the way should be behind Sainsbury's.
Mr Parkinson said he was also looking into ways to encourage people to go to Market Street, which is suffering from less foot fall since the market moved.