CUSTOMERS wanting to use a parade of shops could have nowhere to park if a supermarket giant gets its way.

Bosses of the Tesco Express store, in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, have applied to have sole use of a lay-by opposite the store every morning for their delivery lorries.

The store, which opened last year, is just one of the shops in the parade. Owners of the neighbouring shops, which include a takeaway and pharmacy, fear customers will stop using them if they cannot park close by.

Tesco bosses originally applied to turn the lay-by into a 24-hour loading bay for lorries last August, but the plans were later shelved.

Outgoing ward councillor Tony Luckhurst, said: Outgoing ward councillor Tony Luckhurst, said: “This is another example of a retail giant pushing its interests with total disregard for what the community wants.

“People using this parade of local shops want somewhere to park for a few minutes, as they always have, and the freedom to use the shops of their choice.”

“People using this parade of local shops want somewhere to park for a few minutes, as they always have, and the freedom to use the shops of their choice.”