I have been contacted by a number of constituents with Durrington and Northbrook Councillors and constituents, concerned that the new parking restrictions at the Tesco Extra Durrington will affect the Durrington Community Centre and its users.
The Centre is accessed through Tesco’s car park and, under the new parking restrictions, it is not possible to visit the site without receiving a fine.
The importance of the Centre to the community is stated well by its Manager, Jackie Tettersell: the ‘Centre is used by many regular local people for clubs and activities that keep people from becoming isolated and unfit. '
It is also used by the National Health Service for training and workshops, Reaching Families, a charity for families needing extra support as well as regular diabetes and Parkinson’s help groups.
Many of those who use the Community Centre visit the Store after for their shopping. The restrictions now in place will limit the ability for many to visit the Centre and use its vital services.
When entering the Durrington store, customers are welcomed with a sign stating that Tesco is ‘proud to be working with our local community’. This does not seem the case with such significant implications for constituents who rely on the Community Centre.
I have written to the leadership team of Tesco to urge that the new restrictions be reconsidered to ensure that constituents have access to important services which are a lifeline for many local residents.
