BOSSES at Bromsgrove's ASDA store are prepared to buy two extra car park ticket machines in a bid to ease customer's frustrations at having to wait in long queues before shopping in the Market Street shop.

The giant Leeds-based supermarket has taken on board comments from angry customers who say they often have to wait to buy a ticket since the district council introduced keypads to stop drivers passing tickets on.

A store spokeswoman said: "Although the car park belongs to the council we have had many complaints. We try to keep our customers happy and are prepared to buy and install two new ticket machines."

But, district councillor Bill Newnes (Broms Ind Grp-Sidemoor), who spotted 28 people in one queue on the Recreation Road south car park at the weekend, reckons Asda's cash could be better spent.

"The keypad scheme was only meant to be temporary while the council looked at introducing an on foot pay as you exit scheme, and it could soon be scrapped. It makes more sense to get Asda to contribute to that."

He believes Asda could be encouraged to look at offering customer concessions on parking charges or renting some space in the multi-storey park for its staff.

John Moody, the council's head of engineering, said only a few complaints about queues had been received since Christmas.

He added the council appreciates Asda's offer, which will be considered in due course.

A pay on foot scheme, which also has certain drawbacks he said, is a long term option being studied.