Mums complain about food van blocking parking spaces in Trowbridge

They say there are already too few wider spaces enabling them to get their children in and out of their vehicles safely.

One of the mums who has complained is Hannah Davies, from the Longscroft estate in Trowbridge, who regularly parks at The Shires to shop at Asda and Iceland.

Hannah, 33, who has two children, Jack, nine, and Lucy, two, said: “I understand it is important for small businesses to gain work and customers.

“Unfortunately, this food van is parked taking up two parent and toddler bays but when there are limited parent and toddler bays this food van just causes an inconvenience to shoppers.

“This van isn't open all the time and when parking for parents is limited it is a giant inconvenience especially when two of the most-needed spaces are taken up.

“This isn't the first time it's happened either. In July 2023 there was a fish and chip van taking up these spaces. Not to mention the other food vans which often use these spaces.”

The food van at The Shires car park opposite the Asda entrance is taking up two mother and toddler parking spaces. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mrs Davies says she has written to The Shires management team, asking them to relocate the food van to another spot in the upper level car park

She said: “For the sake of the parents and customers of Trowbridge please can you arrange for this van to be located somewhere else.

“One suggestion I have is the corner of the car park near the washing machines. This might be a good idea as there must be electricity there to power the washing machines and tumble dryers.”

The van is parked in the spaces opposite the entrance to the Asda superstore all week but is open from 11am to 3.30pm Monday to Saturday, selling Greek wraps.

Commenting on the Trowbridge Community Hub Facebook page, Paige O’Hara said: “Great that you are in Trowbridge, but do you really need to take up two child and parents parking spaces, when there are limited spaces for us?”

Stephanie Ward said: “I was literally moaning to my partner the other day while trying to park with our new born in the car. Could have picked anywhere other than the child or disabled parking spaces.”

Frankie Walker added: “Lovely to see a small business setting up but The Shires or owners of the car park, need to look into this as the spaces are very limited for parent and child as it is, so to lose a significant amount is a nightmare.”

The food van at The Shires car park opposite the Asda entrance is taking up two mother and toddler parking spaces. 

The Shires management has been approached for a comment.

Dimitri Rammos, the owner of the My Greek Fat Wraps, said his business has no control over where the food van is located in the car park.

He said: “When I booked, they told me the only place I could put the van is there. It is close to the power.

“I didn’t decide to put my van there. It is not my decision. I have to follow the instructions of The Shires management.

In response to comments on social media, he said: “I hope you understand that we just applied for a pitch there and we are not picking spaces.

“Hope you understand that it wasn’t up to us, I am sorry to say.”