Several businesses say they have been left without parking after being given two days' notice that a supermarket chain would be cancelling their permits

Staff at businesses on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street have been allowed to park in Iceland's car park for more than 10 years as many don't have car parks large enough for all of their vehicles and can only access on-street parking for a maximum of two hours.

The businesses say the Iceland car park has been vital for making sure that High Street businesses can continue serving the town.

Now Johnson and Daltrey Funeral Services have been left with nowhere to park all of their funeral vehicles and staff cars.

The company requires parking for private ambulances, hearses, limos and staff cars, which means they rely heavily on the permits.

Swindon Advertiser: The Iceland car park has been used by private ambulances, hearses and staff for over 10 years.The Iceland car park has been used by private ambulances, hearses and staff for over 10 years. (Image: Newsquest)

“We have always had permits to park in Iceland car park and not just us, but Mazlins, the butchers, the town council and the residents that live above," said Charlotte and Dana from Johnson and Daltrey Funeral Services.

“The car park is never full and we've been parking there for 12 years. But on Friday, February 23, two people from Excel Parking who manage the space came around and said that we would no longer be able to park there.

"We were given just days' notice and there’s no other car parks nearby so come tomorrow, what do we do?

“We have a tiny car park out the back but we have a lot of vehicles that don’t all fit there."

Swindon Advertiser: Excel Parking explained to staff that Iceland had given out too many parking permits.Excel Parking explained to staff that Iceland had given out too many parking permits. (Image: Newsquest)

 

Swindon Advertiser: The car park has been described as 'very empty' by several businesses on the street.The car park has been described as 'very empty' by several businesses on the street. (Image: Newsquest)

Businesses on the High Street claim the car park is 'almost always empty'.

"Iceland has given us parking for years when they didn't have to, so we do have to count ourselves lucky," said a worker at Butchers Mate on the High Street.

"But the decision does seem a bit out of nowhere because the car park is never full. We've had nothing in writing and two days' notice.

"Businesses parking there with a permit is not hindering their footfall and so by not letting us park there all it's doing is hurting high street businesses."

Iceland head office and Excel Parking have been contacted for comment, but are yet to respond.