TESCO has expressed its disappointment after one of the Middlewich superstore’s new car park barriers was damaged by a driver last Saturday morning.

The Southway store, with help from Cllr Carol Bulman, PCSO Dave Jinks and Cheshire East Council, installed two barriers at either entrance to the car park in order to close it off after hours.

While it was hoped this well-received move would reduce late night anti-social behaviour in the area, the barriers have been damaged after a driver became trapped in the car park.

The vehicle, which tyre tracks suggest may have been a truck, also moved charity bins as it mounted the grass to leave the car park.

Ben Manuel, store manager, said: “We’re always conscious of being a good neighbour in Middlewich and worked with Cheshire East Council, who own our car park, to install the barrier to help address antisocial behaviour.

“We were very disappointed to see the damage caused, are investigating how it happened and we’re working with the council to fix the damage.”

Tesco are responsible for closing the barriers out of store opening hours, which are 8am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Cllr Bulman liaised with Tesco, residents, the council and PCSO Dave Jinks – who recently left Cheshire Police – to install the barriers, and remains adamant that they are a positive addition.

She said: “It seems that early on Saturday morning someone found themselves unable to leave the car park and chose to bash their way out. They have probably backed into the barrier using a tow bar to take the impact.

“After all Tesco's cooperation and efforts, it is depressing that one anti-social driver has chosen to do this. The majority of people I have spoken to support the barriers being lowered as a means of deterring anti-social behaviour during the night.

“We will not be defeated by the actions of one foolish driver who is probably inspecting the damage to his own car and wondering why he did it.”

Cllr Bulman added that Cheshire East Council have acted swiftly, with discussions underway regarding a replacement, a new fence beside the barrier and better signage.