Customers boycott Cheshire Waitrose over car park attendant suspension | UK News

Angry customers have vowed to boycott a branch of Waitrose after a popular car park attendant was suspended for allegedly letting people park for free.

Ex-Manchester United legend Willie Morgan and Coronation Street veteran Charlie Lawson, are among residents who took part in a protest outside the supermarket in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, in a bid to see Robert Shaw, known as Bob, reinstated.

They are backing a campaign to ‘Bring Back Bob’ after insisting he is ‘more than just a traffic warden’, the Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports.

Hailed a ‘pillar of the community’, Mr Shaw, 65, is trusted to watch people’s children and dogs and even gives customers marriage advice and counselling.

Motorists are charged £1 to park for up to 90 minutes at the car park, operated by Britannia Parking, which employs Mr Shaw.

He was suspended earlier this month after eight years patrolling the car park full time.  

Customers get a parking discount if they shop in the Waitrose, which is next to the car park.

Now a number of residents have said they will no longer use the car park or the supermarket until the matter is resolved.

Mr Shaw is a ‘part of the community’, said Gaynor Morgan, who is leading the campaign.

‘He’s a friend to the 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,’ Ms Morgan told the MEN.

‘People are boycotting Waitrose now because of it, the villagers are behind him, so we all hope we can get Bob back.’

Corrie legend Mr Lawson, who played iconic character Jim McDonald, said Mr Shaw was ‘an asset to the village’ and ‘genuinely just a friend to everyone shopping at Waitrose’.  

Mr Shaw, 65, described the situation as ‘upsetting’ and fears he could have to retire.

He told the MEN: ‘I like to think I’ve been a help to the community over the past eight years on that car park.’

When approached, Waitrose said they were aware of the situation.

‘Our team at Alderley Edge remain absolutely committed to welcoming customers and giving them the excellent service they expect.’

A Britannia spokesperson declined to comment on details of an investigation, but added: ‘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.’

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