LIMITED parking spaces at the proposed new Sainsbury's store in Worcester would meet Government aims of getting shoppers out of their cars, a public inquiry has been told.

But it heard that the lack of parking facilities would also endanger pedestrians in St John's and result in on-street parking problems.

Yesterday, during the second day of the inquiry being held at Worcester's Guildhall, Government inspector Emlyn Williams heard that Ronald Kelly - representing Co-op Pioneer, which has a store in St John's - say the proposed 218-space Sainsbury's car park and road alterations would cause disruption throughout the area.

He said the car park, which he claimed should have 350 spaces for the size of the planned store, would be a danger because too many drivers would be looking for somewhere to park while pedestrians were walking around.

However, Mr Kelly accepted that reducing the capacity of parking facilities was seen as an effective way of stopping shoppers using their cars under the Government's drive to encourage sustainable travel.

But Stephen Morgan, representing Sainsbury's, asked Mr Kelly how he could say more parking was needed in view of the travel plan's aims.

"You need more parking for the extra traffic expected," replied Mr Kelly.

"The only way to get people out of their cars is to offer incentives and other alternatives and not just reduce parking spaces."

Mr Morgan claimed the Swanpool Walk site would benefit traffic levels, as shoppers would not have to travel from the west to the east of the city to shop for their weekly groceries.

He said that during a recent appeal by Asda, which wants to build a supermarket on the former cattle market in Croft Road, Government inspector Clifford Hughes stated that a food store in St John's would reduce the car mileage travelled by shoppers.

Gerry Prodohl, also representing Sainsbury's, told the inquiry he did not agree that the car park would be dangerous, and rejected claims the revised road layout would clog traffic flow.

He also added that the travel plan would provide a chance to make people more aware of "sustainable" travel methods.

"This development would be an ideal place to implement such a plan," he said.

The inquiry is due to continue until tomorrow.