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Co-op apologises for parking charge signs 'upset'

George KingSuffolk
News imageSupplied A pink and white sign attached to a black pole. It says Framlingham Car Park Tarrif Board. The cost of parking at that particular car park is also set out on the sign. Houses are also in the background of the image.Supplied
Signs outlining new parking charges at Framlingham's East of England Co-op were put up accidentally, the supermarket says

A supermarket chain has apologised "for any confusion and upset" caused after signs were installed that told shoppers they needed to pay for parking.

The East of England Co-op in Framlingham, Suffolk, had free parking until signage appeared that parking for more than 30 minutes would cost £2 for up to two hours or £3 for up to three hours.

Customers said they feared being fined after struggling to pay via the Ringo app due to the area's poor phone and internet signal.

The Co-op said the signs were "inadvertently put up" and that refunds would be given and no penalty charges would be issued.

News imageGoogle A red-brick building with produce outside its door. To the front of the building is a car park with a number of vehicles parked in bays. Behind the building is the spire of a church and other properties. Google
The East of England Co-op said signs outlining new parking fees for shoppers were put up by mistake

Shoppers reported being both shocked that parking charges had been introduced and concerned when they found themselves unable to pay using the app.

Louisa Rose told the BBC she felt the town's "awful" phone signal needed "sorting first" before app-only parking was introduced.

Gill Knight added that she objected to using mobile phone apps of any kind, especially when it came to parking.

"We're supposed to be inclusive but we're excluding anybody who hasn't got a smartphone, and that's immoral to me," she said.

News imageSupplied A head and shoulders image of Gill Knight. She is standing outside, in front of a brick wall which has some green leaves hanging from it. She is wearing a navy, white and red knitted jumper and looking directly into the camera.Supplied
Gill Knight said she refused to use mobile phone apps, especially using one to pay for parking

After concerns about the parking charges were raised Framlingham Town Council met with the East of England Co-op.

"The Co-op would like to sincerely apologise for the confusion and upset caused," a council spokesperson said.

East Suffolk Council said shoppers could park at its council-owned car parks which had coin-operated machines and gave "visitors the option to pay by cash, card or app".

"We are also currently upgrading parking machines across East Suffolk to support contactless card payments," a spokesperson added.

The East of England Co-op spokesperson said it had been "reviewing" its parking policy at its Framlingham site and "some signage was inadvertently installed".

"Should any changes to the car park arrangements be confirmed, we'll ensure our members and customers are informed in advance," a spokesperson added.

"If any of our members and customers in Framlingham have paid using the RingGo app, they should contact our customer support team.

"We apologise for any confusion and thank our members and customers in Framlingham for their patience and understanding."

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