A new system organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council will stop shopping trolleys going ‘walkabout’ from three main supermarkets in Ellesmere Port.
Trolleys in Asda, Aldi and Iceland have now been fitted with devices which will lock a wheel if they pass over any car park entrances or exits. The system has been funded by Asda.
For many years some customers have removed trolleys from the town’s supermarkets as far as several miles away. Trolleys have previously been found in alleys, parks, taxi ranks, bus stops, gardens, roads and footpaths all around the town.
During one three month period a total of 462 trolleys from 11 different supermarkets were collected by Council officers.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted this scheme will see an end to trolleys littering the town. They are a nuisance and eyesore to residents and visitors.
“Most people use shopping trolleys at the supermarket as intended, but a minority think it’s OK to use them to transport their shopping all the way to the bus station, taxi rank or even their own home. Taking a trolley from supermarket premises could be considered as theft.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the supermarkets involved for supporting the new system. I’m sure everyone in the town will welcome this.”
The Chester blog 