Merry Hill shop staff backlash over new parking ban
Angry retail workers have hit out after Merry Hill bosses restricted them to parking for just two hours.
The shopping centre’s owner, intu, has brought in the controversial measure to free up parking spaces for customers.
Under the new system staff can only park for two hours in customer parking spaces at the shopping centre.
The workforce has been allocated specific sites to use as a result, for which they need parking permits.
These have caused safety concerns.
'Totally unsafe'
A petition has been launched against the changes, which has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.
The author wrote: “This not only is impractical and unfair on the workforce but also poses a safety risk.
“This is further highlighted by the fact that there was a recent stabbing on the very same road as the proposed car park.
“This is totally unsafe for workers to walk alone, especially those finishing late at night.”
One site, located in Engine Lane, means staff have to walk at least half a mile to work.
A man was stabbed to death there last year.
Another site, on the top deck of a multi-storey car park near the Odeon Cinema, will be brought in from June.
There are also specific spaces located on ‘red’ and ‘blue’ car parks.
'Risk'
Angelika Marciniak wrote on the petition website: “This is just unfair and not practical for intu staff members.
"Lots of workers there are put at risk, especially very early mornings and late nights. It is not a safe place to park.”
Stacey Smith wrote: “It’s important that staff are safe. As a shopper, I prefer regular workers to have a safe car park on a daily basis.”
Former councillor and Black Country Party member Stuart Henley said: "This is a disgrace. Staff have to go to work before the place opens and leave when shut, this is unsafe for staff. intu should have a duty of care for staff who use the centre.
"How about putting a shuttle bus on to ferry workers to and from the car park if that is where intu wish staff to park?"
About 600 parking spaces have been provided for staff under this new scheme.
An intu spokesperson said: “The changes to staff parking are in response to requests from our retailers to allow more spaces for shoppers.
“Retailers and intu staff can park all day for free and choose between four on-site car parks all of which are just over a minute’s walk from a customer car park. Each is covered by security patrols, CCTV and security escorts are available upon request.
“As always, the safety of anyone visiting our centre for work or leisure is our number one priority. We encourage anyone with specific concerns to talk to us directly.”
Colin Griffiths, an organiser at the trade union GMB, said: "We are meeting with the company soon and will be discussing their new parking policy.
"Any kind of parking restriction which causes financial detriment to our members is not acceptable."
To view the petition visit www.change.org/p/intu-merry-hill-staff-parking-issues
