SHOPPING bosses have apologised after drivers were being threatened with fines despite a previous u-turn on a new parking system.

In March, a new system was introduced at the Sainsbury’s car park in Braintree, site banning cars from using its car park when it shuts at night.

Drivers were able to use Sainsbury's car park after the supermarket closed in the evenings, but new signs went up warning motorists not to park there from ten minutes after the store shuts.

The new rules caused a widespread backlash and concerns amongst the community, with steward of the Constitutional Club in the nearby Great Square Paul Johnson worried about the ban affecting night-time trade.

Following talks with Sainsbury, Braintree Council later confirmed the new system hada been scrapped, allowing drivers to once again park for free after 6pm.

However, in a new turn of events, drivers are once again receiving warnings for parking on the site in the evenings.

In a document seen by the Times, Euro Car Parks are warning drivers they will receive £85 fines if they do not comply with the signage, even after 6pm when parking is free.

Residents were left confused and frustrated by the situation, with concerns arising on how it will once again affect businesses in the evening.

Resident Mavourneen Moore said: “I volunteer at Braintree District Mencap and have for many years used Sainsbury’s car park to park my car after 6pm and usually leave before 9.30pm.

“I am not happy to have received a letter from Euro Car Parks informing me that my parking in the car park goes against their parking rules and being threatened with an £85 fine.

“I would love to know, as would other drivers, what the rules regarding the reversion back to 6pm free parking.

“This situation is going to hurt Sainsbury’s as people are talking about boycotting the store and of course this will affect the town’s businesses as people will be journeying elsewhere for their evening entertainment or visit to a restaurant.”

Braintree Council has since clarified it has spoken to Sainsbury's with the car park now being managed "within the agreed hours".

A Braintree Council spokesperson said in a statement: “We have very robustly passed on the concerns we have received to Sainsbury’s PLC who immediately contacted Euro Car Parks.

"Sainsbury’s has confirmed they have spoken with Euro Car Parks.

"Sainsbury’s has apologised for any confusion caused and will now continue to manage the car park within the agreed hours for the benefit of all those who use it.

"If you have any further concerns, please contact Sainsbury’s/Euro Car Parks direct.

"We would like to thank all those who contacted us in relation to the confusion regarding the car parking facilities at Sainsbury’s in Braintree town centre.”