"We'll take our business elsewhere," has been the message from furious motorists this week, who have been in touch with The Journal to complain about new parking rules in the Argos car park in Midsomer Norton's High Street. As the paper went to press, Argos said it would be reviewing the measures which have provoked such a strong reaction.

As of last Friday, readers began to contact us after receiving £100 fines by post. Despite going into the store, to make a purchase or pick up a catalogue, motorists found that if they left the area and visited other traders in the High Street, they would be fined. Shoppers reported a parking attendant, thought to be sat in a parked vehicle monitoring drivers' movements and taking registration numbers. See Letters, Page 16.

The car park now has many signs in place, which state that it is on private property, so effectively, drivers are entering into an unspoken contract with the landowner. Whilst private firms are allowed to do this, there is some dispute as to whether 'parking charges' are merely invoices by private companies, as opposed to fines, such as those given by people in authority. The signs also state there is no return to the car park within one hour and that the charge will be reduced by 40% if paid within fourteen days.

After the backlash from shoppers, the company said this week: "In response to customer complaints regarding non-Argos shoppers parking in the customer car park in Midsomer Norton, we had reviewed our parking policy. In March, we introduced parking restrictions and installed notices in the car park.

"Via a third party supplier, the car park is manned by a parking attendant each Saturday. We apologise to any customers who have been incorrectly issued with a parking fine.

"Following customer concerns, the parking controls have been temporarily suspended while we undertake a full review of the parking procedure. We would ask anyone who has recently received a ticket to follow the appeal procedures detailed on it."

Argos is following suit as other companies within the town have introduced parking fines to keep spaces free for their shoppers. Readers were unhappy with parking fines received at Lidl in the High Street – up to £90, with a ninety minute maximum stay for customers only.

M&Co, also in Midsomer Norton High Street, states its parking is for customers only, with a potential £60 fine, with Sainsbury's in Midsomer Norton, a two-hour maximum stay with up to £60 fine.

With parking in The Island short stay, this leaves South Road car park. Many workers in the town use this car park to leave their cars all day, so in a town that is wanting to regenerate, particularly with the expected arrival of national chains, such as Wetherspoons and Costa Coffee, where will shoppers park?

Speaking this week, Tina Veater, Chair of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Midsomer Norton Economic Development Partnership, led by the Town Council, has been working on a parking strategy for Midsomer Norton.

"What is needed now is to bring together all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that as the town expands, we work together as a team, covering all the parking available – rather than individual businesses feeling the need to introduce new arrangements in isolation."