Asda parking rethink will aid Shaw trade

ASDA is to reinstate two-hour free parking at its Shaw store as part of a bid to attract shoppers to the area.

Bosses say the changes at the Greenfield Lane site are in line with planning rules and come after feedback from customers and traders.

And the free parking will allow customers to park at the store and then visit surrounding shops, keeping revenue in the local economy.

The move comes after a campaign, funded by Asda and called “Think Local - Shop Shaw”, was launched by Oldham Council.

Asda’s property communications manager, Philip Bartram, said: “We are delighted to reinstate two-hour shopping at our Shaw eco-store after the feedback we received.

Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes, a parish councillor in Shaw, said: “I am pleased Asda has acted swiftly to rectify this situation.

“Traders raised concerns with me about the reduction in parking times at the store, and Asda will be putting the situation right.

“At a time of financial uncertainty, it is important trade is kept in Shaw and longer parking times at Asda will help to achieve this.”

The council’s campaign saw a giveaway of shopping bags, pens, balloons, stickers and notepads at Shaw market.

All shops supporting the campaign will have a sticker to display in their window and shoppers will be able to claim a free cotton shopping bag from participating shops when they spend £10 or more.

A passport scheme is also planned for the new year with regular monthly cash prizes.

The funding has also paid for Shaw centre improvements including new road and pedestrian signs, the pedestrianisation of Newtown Street, a pedestrian crossing in Greenfield Lane and new parking bays.