Barriers have been placed around the Wilko travelators in Ashford following concerns over customer safety.

The metal poles prevent wheeled items - such as trolleys, wheelchairs and pushchairs - from being taken on the moving walkways, which lead to the upper storey of the Park Mall car park.

A Wilko spokesman said: “We used to provide customers with special trolleys for the travelator that had locking wheels to make them safe to use on the slope.

“Unfortunately, we’ve noticed that other trolleys and wheeled items have been used posing a potential safety risk.

“After seeking advice, and in the interest of public safety, we’ve taken the decision to restrict the use of all trolleys on the travelator.

“All of the disabled and parent and child parking spaces are on lower floors, providing easy access to the store, so hopefully this decision shouldn’t greatly inconvenience our customers.”

“After seeking advice, and in the interest of public safety, we’ve taken the decision to restrict the use of all trolleys on the travelator.

"All of the disabled and parent and child parking spaces are on lower floors, providing easy access to the store, so hopefully this decision shouldn’t greatly inconvenience our customers.

"We’d also like to remind people that we offer a click and collect service for any heavy or bulky purchases which can then be collected from the back door by car.”