A group of angry Waitrose shoppers have staged a protest and are vowing to boycott the store.
People in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, are angry that parking attendant Robert Shaw – aka Bob – has been suspended.
He’s alleged to have let people park at the supermarket for free, angering his bosses.
However, locals have started a ‘Bring Back Bob’ campaign, insisting that he is more than just a traffic warden.
The campaign has attracted some high-level support with ex-Manchester United legend Willie Morgan and Coronation Street veteran Charlie Lawson – Jim McDonald – among residents who turned up to protest.
Described as a ‘pillar of the community’, Bob, 65, is trusted to watch people’s children and dogs and even gives customers marriage advice and counselling.
Motorists are charged £1 to park for up to 90 minutes at the car park, operated by Britannia Parking, which employs Mr Shaw.
He was suspended earlier this month after eight years patrolling the car park full time.
Customers get a discount if they shop at Waitrose, which is next to the car park.
Now a number of residents have said they will no longer use the car park or the supermarket until the matter is resolved.
Gaynor Morgan, who is leading the campaign, said he was part of the community.
She said: ‘He’s a friend to the people, the people here trust him so much they leave their kids in the car while they nip in to the shop or he’ll mind dogs for shoppers.
‘People are boycotting Waitrose now because of it, the villagers are behind him, so we all hope we can get Bob back.’
Corrie legend Mr Lawson said Mr Shaw was ‘an asset to the village’ and ‘genuinely just a friend to everyone shopping at Waitrose’.
Bob said he was upset at the situation and is now contemplating retirement.
He said: ‘I like to think I’ve been a help to the community over the past eight years on that car park.’
Waitrose said: ‘Our team at Alderley Edge remain absolutely committed to welcoming customers and giving them the excellent service they expect.’
A Britannia spokesperson declined to comment on details of an investigation, but added: ‘As a responsible employer, we work hard to make sure our teams are supported in their roles, and only take action if there are legitimate concerns.’
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