Boy racers problem tackled by barriers

Problems with boy racers performing outrageous manoeuvres on a supermarket car park in Staffordshire should now be solved following the downsizing of the store.

The Tesco Metro, in High Street, has become a Tesco Express.

The store's size was reduced because of low customer numbers. The supermarket car park has been plagued with boy racers zooming around. To combat the problem a raised barrier has now been fitted to prevent car park entry after the store is shut.

A security guard has also been employed to patrol the new-look store in Chasetown, Burntwood from 9am until 11pm. Residents hope the changes will stop boy racers using the car park and keeping them awake into the early hours.

County councillor Paul Atkins had campaigned for a new barrier to be installed saying residents were sick and tired of the boy racers.

He said: "Hopefully now it has been turned into a Tesco Express and this new barrier has been installed the problems with boy racers will come to an end.

"The boy racers have been racing each other on the car park and been performing various stunts such as wheel spins.

"It has really been driving the residents mad. Hopefully this is the end of the problems."

Melanie Chiswell, spokeswoman for Tesco, said: "Work has been carried out and we have now changed the Tesco Metro into a Tesco Express. It came apparent that the usage of the store didn't justify a Tesco Metro so we have downsized to a Tesco Express.

"We were aware of the problem with boy racers and so have taken action to address this.

"We had removed a barrier on the car park for safety reasons but have installed a new one. We have also got a security guard who will be patrolling the site."