Inverness motorists using vacant Longman store’s car park as free parking return to find vehicles fenced off
Motorists using a deserted DIY store for unofficial long-stay parking appear to be out of luck - after their vehicles got fenced inside.
Some drivers in Inverness have been using the former Wickes store in Henderson Road as impromptu parking in recent months.
It's understood if has proven popular with some motorists when jetting off on holiday or seeking to shop in the heart of the Highland capital - seemingly eager to avoid the high charges of stopping in the city centre or airport and railway parking.
But the clever 'wheeze' appears to have finally backfired for some of them after the store, which has been shut since late spring last year but is earmarked for a new Home Bargains outlet, was suddenly fenced off this week.
Large metal security fencing has been erected around the perimeter, and bright plastic barriers have also now been added to the entrance.
It's not clear if the sudden signs of life indicate that Home Bargains is gearing up to begin refitting the store or simply trying to stop people parking on the site in the meantime - and it failed to respond to requests for comment on Thursday morning.
But it definitely looks like those drivers seeking to dodge long-stay parking charges will have to find themselves somewhere else for the foreseeable future… or pay like everyone else.
