SHOPPERS risk facing an £85 fine at Morrisons' Greenalls Avenue store after measures were introduced restricting parking to two hours.

The supermarket chain claims that the move is to help customers find spaces and will offer to increase the period of free parking for blue badge holders and others who specifically require it.

However, the move has been met with disapproval from loyal shoppers, including Appleton resident Gary Delooze, who believes the measure will 'turn the supermarket into a convenience store'.

"It is just nuts - the car park is sometimes busy but it has never in all the time it has been open, been full," he said.

"It does not make sense and I think it is going to cause havoc in the Stockton Heath village as more people will look to park on roads there instead.

"This can only be harmful for business. We may still go back to the store but we won't be spending the same amount that we would have done.

"I don't think many people know about it but hopefully the awareness is raised on the matter so that nobody does get fined without realising there is a limit."

Although it has angered many, the store remains adamant that shoppers will reap the benefits of the decision.

“We now use a car park management system at our Warrington store to help our customers find a space during busy times," said a Morrisons spokesman.

"Many shoppers have told us that they are having difficulty parking.

“Car parking is free for all customers within a two hour time-frame, however, we understand that sometimes they may need longer."

Those who require more time are urged to alert a member of the team at the store's customer services desk upon arrival.