A MAJOR supermarket has carried out work on its car park, months after scores of residents complained about its layout.

In January, The Gazette told ho w local South Ham councillors and locals were left frustrated that Lidl, which has a branch in Worting Road, was not acting appropriately after numerous complaints were made that shoppers were exiting the supermarket through wrong entrances.

At the time, some motorists would leave the supermarket via the one-way entrance on to West Ham Close in order to avoid traffic that builds up in the exit on to Worting Road and West Ham roundabout.

The issue was initially highlighted by South Ham locals John Murrells and Jason Oram who criticised the drivers for having a “reckless” attitude – claims backed by borough councillor Dan Putty – who is ward councillor for Hatch Warren and Beggarwood and initially highlighted the story to The Gazette.

But, after months of negotiations and meetings with the German supermarket giant, a decision to alter road markings on the pavement was made and finally carried out.

Cllr Gary Watts, ward councillor for South Ham, took the lead in raising the issue with Lidl and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

However, he said “only time will tell” to see if the road markings make an improvement.

Cllr Watts said: “We had a site meeting with the regional director of Lidl and although this is not what we wanted, at least they have made an effort to listen to our concerns about the road.

“The proof will be in the eating.”

Cllr Watts and other councillors believe the inclusion of spikes into the car park would have been a more effective deterrent.

At the time of publication, Lidl confirmed the work was carried out but did not comment further on the issue.