**Morrisons in Neath Angers Shoppers with Reinstated Car Park Charges**
A fiercely debated decision by Morrisons supermarket in Neath has left local residents divided, as the store announces the return of its pay-and-display car park system. After a period of six to eight months during which parking was complimentary, the supermarket has now informed customers that fees will apply once again unless they spend at least £5 in-store—a sum they must prove at the till to obtain a parking refund. This policy applies to all who use the car park, and only those with qualifying receipts will be eligible for reimbursement.
The return of parking fees was revealed via a prominent notice displayed at the store entrance. According to Morrisons, this move is designed to prioritise genuine supermarket customers by improving access to parking spaces. Despite these intentions, a significant number of locals are frustrated, especially those who visit for brief errands or minor purchases.
Online community groups have since been flooded with complaints. One resident questioned the practicality for those simply wanting to donate goods to charity shops or make purchases below the £5 threshold, asking, “So what if you only want to drop off stuff to charity shops? Or spend less than £5?” Another added, “That’s just effort, that’s me not shopping in Morrisons again,” lamenting the perceived hassle. Yet another shopper, who frequently visits for essentials, opposed the minimum spend, stating, “Sometimes I just need milk or a birthday card so I object to the £5 minimum spend. Take it directly off the shopping and it’s fair.”
The changes have also sparked concerns about whether Morrisons risks alienating its own customers. As one frustrated shopper pointed out: “Won’t be shopping there again”, while others highlighted uncertainty over what happens if an item they want is unavailable, leaving them out of pocket for parking.
On the other hand, many individuals have voiced support for the new system, seeing it as a necessary measure to prevent the car park from being used by non-shoppers. According to some, the policy is unlikely to affect most regular supermarket users. One supporter claimed, “You have the money after you shopped so it makes sense as then the parking is only for customers that use the store not just park there and use the town and not go in Morrisons but use up all the parking spaces for people who want to shop in Morrisons but can’t find a parking spot.”
There have also been complaints about malfunctioning pay and display machines in recent months, which left some attempting to pay but unable to do so. Morrisons has confirmed that these machines, many of which were previously damaged, are now being repaired. For locals, the reliability of these payment options is a key concern, and several called for all machines to be working before the scheme is fully reintroduced.
Some residents have suggested this policy will ultimately free up spaces for store patrons, contrasting the needs of those who park all day to visit the town at large with regular Morrison’s customers. Another local commented, “So it’s still free to park there, provided you use Morrisons? I’m guessing the ones complaining on here only used the car park to nip into town. Means there’ll be more space for shoppers, what’s not to love?”
However, difficulties persist for those who feel the town’s alternative parking provisions—such as the multi-storey—are less accessible, especially for elderly shoppers. One pensioner admitted to using the supermarket car park as a shortcut to the market, but conceded this would no longer be possible under the revised regime.
Parking woes are not a new issue in Neath, with traders raising complaints about dwindling access. Jonathan Rees, a stallholder at Neath Market, described the town’s parking situation as one of its “biggest downfalls.” “Back in the day, you could park your car right outside the market until half past ten at night or you could park up on Queen Street. No one abused that,” Mr Rees said. “It’s such a shame and it is not just me that thinks this, lots of customers have told me that parking is an issue.”
This sentiment was echoed by another resident, who warned that Neath, having already suffered a decline in high street trade, could be further damaged if shoppers are discouraged from visiting due to increased parking restrictions. “Neath already lost a lot of trade over the years—this could be the final nail in the coffin for a lot of people coming to town,” they said.
Despite the intense local debate and the mix of frustration and support, Morrisons has, for now, declined to comment further on the matter. As communities continue to grapple with the balance between convenience for shoppers and safeguarding parking for genuine customers, the debate over the Neath Morrisons car park underscores a wider challenge facing many towns across Wales and the UK.