Waitrose has installed barriers in its car park to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Shoppers at the store in Prospect Road, Hythe, saw the new addition last week, prompting fears that parking would be restricted in the daytime.

But a Waitrose spokesman confirmed the barriers are in response to a police request to lower crime in the area.

The store spokesman said: “We take our role in the community very seriously and were asked by the police to look at how we can help prevent anti-social behaviour in the area.

“The barriers will remain open as long as possible to ensure those using the car park as it’s intended can still do so.”

It has not yet been decided when the barriers will be lowered but Waitrose says this will not be during the shop’s opening hours.

Customers do not need to take a ticket or pay to lift the barrier as they enter the premises.