ESCORTS may be provided for lone female Kingfisher Centre staff after grave concerns over their safety, writes Becky Procter.

Shop employees were notified last week they would have to park in Car Park 3 rather than Car Park 2 from the beginning of April.

The move means they would have to walk under an underpass to get to the centre, often alone and after dark.

Worried staff have petitioned against the decision, and the results will be presented to centre managers this week.

But a spokesman for centre owners Thornfield said: "We have asked staff to park in Car Park 3.

"Car Park 2 is a prime car park for shoppers and customers - and the customer comes first."

The spokesman said Car Park 3 was being upgraded and centre management had been asked to provide lighting and security because people were nervous.

The spokesman said: "Management at the centre said they would provide escorts.

"The county council is responsible for the underpass at the back of Allders, so we are not allowed to put extra lighting in but we are in negotiations."

"Most shopping centres do not allow staff to use the car parks and they are told to park elsewhere."

Staff currently have a concession rate for car parking of £2 a day but have been told if they continue to park in Car Park 2 they will be charged the normal rate.