A SUPERMARKET chain which is aiming to increase the size of the car park at one of its York stores has been accused of unethical behaviour by one of its own customers.

Morrisons wants to create 22 extra parking spaces at its shop in Front Street, Acomb, saying it risks losing business if people cannot find somewhere to leave their cars.

The application is being considered by City of York Council, but has attracted objections from local residents who are unhappy about the noise and extra traffic they say the extension would cause. Some also claim it does not fit with the city’s environmentally-friendly ambitions.

In his objection letter to the council, Willem Hoedeman, of Holgate, said he had helped the University of York to formulate and implement a sustainable travel plan, which has seen car parking at the campus capped for ten years.

He said: “The introduction of parking charges into a ring-fenced fund financed subsequent investments in alternative travel options – cycle paths, cycle parking, public transport travel subsidies. The university grew, but traffic did not.

“I was first made aware of Morrisons wishing to increase the number of car parking space on January 11 when staff at the checkout handed me a form asking if I would sign the car-parking petition. I noted the applicant’s reason for applying was stated to be ‘customer’s request’.

“I suggest this action by Morrisons soliciting support is pretty dubious and unethical. Customers were not even asked if they had arrived on foot, by bike or by car and under those circumstances, the pressure to sign would have been present.”

Morrisons’ plans to extend the car park to 304 spaces came after the store was revamped. Other customers have backed the scheme after experiencing problems finding somewhere to park nearby.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We aim to offer the best customer service and facilities to our customers, including the provision of adequate parking.

“We are reacting to customer concerns over the lack of available parking bays at busy periods, and believe more parking bays will benefit shoppers.”