Asda backs down on parking rules in ‘huge win’ for Biggleswade town centre
Asda has backed down on plans to limit parking for customers who shop at the store and to re-instate two hours’ free parking.
The decision, hailed as a ‘big win for the town centre’, follows the threat of legal action by Central Beds Council, pointing out the store’s plans contradicted a Section 106 planning agreement.
In March, new signs at the store in Church Street, Biggleswade, warned visitors its car park could only be used by customers.
But Central Bedfordshire Council wrote to Asda, reminding the supermarket giant of a prior legal agreement allowing free parking for all motorists for up to 90 minutes.
Asda has now backtracked on its decision.
The news has been welcomed by Biggleswade Town Council, which admitted “a very badly drafted Section 106 agreement” by the former Mid Bedfordshire District Council, lacked clarity by stating the two-hour time limit for free parking was ‘up to two hours’.
Mayor Cllr Jonathan Woodhead said: ‘We welcome the decision by Asda to review its signage and emphasise the decision it is for use by all visitors to the town and not just Asda customers.
“I am pleased that Biggleswade Town Council Officers have worked with Central Beds and ward councillors to get the original agreement reinstated.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by Central Bedfordshire Council Community Network councillor Hayley Whitaker, who described the turnaround as a huge win for Biggleswade.
She said: “Back in mid-March I was made aware of changes to the signage at Asda that stated parking was only for people who shopped in the store. This totally contradicted the S106 agreement that set out parking should be free for anyone to use that was shopping in the town centre and I asked Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) to look into it.
“I also asked them to look again at the reduction in free parking time from two hours to one-and-a-half hours that happened several years ago.
“Officers responded speedily and wrote to Asda giving them seven days to change it. When they didn’t respond CBC started legal proceedings.
"I’m delighted to say that Asda have agreed to change the signage to remove the need to shop in store. In an even bigger turnaround, they have also agreed to reinstate the free parking to two hours. This is a huge win for Biggleswade town centre.”
An Asda spokesperson said: “We haven’t made any recent changes to how our Biggleswade car park operates, and it remains one of the few free short-stay options in the town centre. We’re now aware that signage installed earlier this year may have caused some confusion and are reviewing it to ensure it displays the correct information, and accurately reflects the agreed arrangements with the council.”