Concerns have been raised that the new Lidl car park in Calne could be “an accident waiting to happen” after a crash left a woman injured.
Hannah was involved in a collision at around 4.30pm on Monday 16th March as she was leaving the Lidl car park with her 13-year-old daughter.
Her partner, Rich, said another vehicle “shot directly across her path” and collided with her car.
He said the other driver later admitted she had not seen Hannah approaching from the right before the crash.
Hannah suffered whiplash and was left in shock following the incident, with an ambulance called after she returned home. While her injuries were not believed to be serious, the damage to her car is expected to result in it being written off.
Her daughter and the other driver were not injured.
Rich said the incident had raised serious concerns about safety in the car park, particularly the lack of clear directional markings.
He added: “There are no directional markings on the car park in Calne, and the store manager stated that no Lidl has road markings. I would dispute that, as a Google satellite image appears to show that the Lidl in Pewsham does have road directional markings.”
Julie, Hannah’s neighbour, told Calne News she also had concerns after visiting the new store.
She said: “I appreciate that there is still a considerable amount of work taking place on the site, but I find it very disjointed and poorly laid out.
“The lack of any directional signage could prove to be confusing.
“Particularly the zebra crossings - they are situated amid the parking slots. I have witnessed several people walking out from between parked cars, not even glancing, and appearing from nowhere.
“It really is an accident waiting to happen.”
She added that she had contacted Calne Town Councillor Sophie Myers about the issue. Councillor Myers is looking into the concerns raised and told Calne News she is awaiting a response from the Area Manager regarding the matter.
The issue has also been widely discussed on local community forums, with some residents raising similar concerns about visibility, crossings and a lack of clear markings.
However, others said they had no problems using the car park, with some suggesting drivers should take care, use their awareness and “look where they are going”.
Lidl has been approached for comment. This article will be updated when responses are received.
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