25 November 2023 , 13:03
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Fuming locals are boycotting a Waitrose car park after a beloved attendant was suspended from their role.
Angry villagers of Alderley Edge are holding pickets on the corner of the car park in the hopes of bringing back Robert Show, better known as Bob by those who live there. Allegations of Bob "letting people park for free" were aired, with the village hero reportedly waiving the £1 parking fee for some members of the public.
The claims come as shoppers are set to pay the £1 fee for up to 90 minutes of parking at the supermarket bays, which is discounted for anyone using the Waitrose store next to it.
The pay and display is headed up by Britannia Parking and not Waitrose (MEN)Legendary footballer Willie Morgan and former Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson are among those petitioning to "bring back Bob" as villagers say the suspended warden is a firm staple of the community. Speaking to MEN, one member of the crowd says Bob is "more than just a traffic warden".
They claim he looks after dogs, kids and even has words of wisdom and marriage advice for those using the parking area. Britannia Parking, who own the car park, suspended Mr Shaw earlier this month after eight years serving residents of Alderley Edge.
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Gaynor Morgan, the person leading the campaign to "Bring Back Bob" says 120 people have so far signed a petition to reinstate the parking attendant. Mr Morgan said: "Bob is not just a car park attendant, he's a part of the community. He's a friend to people, the people here trust him so much they leave their kids in the car while they nip in to the shop or he'll mind dogs for shoppers. That shows you how much a part of a community he is.
"This decision is outrageous, people are boycotting Waitrose now because of it, the villagers are behind him, so we all hope we can get Bob back. This is a man's life we're talking about, it's not a game here, and we're behind him all the way." Corrie legend Charlie Dawson was also on hand to support the immediate reinstatement of a parking permit legend. He named Bob as a "great asset" to the village and called for him to be reinstated by Britannia Parking. Mr Dawson said: "Bob was a great asset to the village, our cars were secure, he's just a very friendly guy.
"He looked after us, he lifted bags of shopping into cars for people, I have dogs so Bob would always know to look out for the dogs when I came to the supermarket. He was genuinely just a friend to everyone shopping at Waitrose, he looked after our cars, so this is all just a stupid load of b****y nonsense." A Waitrose spokesperson said: "While we can’t comment on individual cases, we are aware of a number of inaccurate rumours which have been circulating on social media. Our team at Alderley Edge remain absolutely committed to welcoming customers and giving them the excellent service they expect."
Britannia Parking said: "As a responsible employer, we work hard to make sure our teams are supported in their roles, and only take action if there are legitimate concerns. We’re unable to comment on the specific details of our investigation."
Mr Shaw has since thanked the community for the help they have given him during an "upsetting" period for the parking attendant, who said: "I've been told one of the complaints is that I've been letting people park for free, while another complaint is that someone said they overheard me swearing.
"I can only think that would be when I'm talking about football, and especially about Man United because come on, you do get frustrated about that!" It has been upsetting, because I like to think I've been a help to the community over the past eight years on that car park. I mind people's dogs, I give marriage guidance, counselling, someone called me 'Mr North West Information'. People say 'can you keep your eye on my baby while I go in the shop' and the kids all call me 'Mr Bob'. I don't want to retire, but I feel that's the way this is going."