Shoppers are facing empty shelves because of a ban on early morning deliveries at a Motherwell supermarket.
Fresh bread isn’t appearing in the aisles at Asda until mid-morning, prompting complaints from frustrated customers.
Asda says it’s because strict planning conditions prevent it from unloading deliveries until 8am.
The store, which employs 280 people, is close to flats and houses in the Watson Street area.
Environmental health officers say longer delivery hours would have a “significant adverse noise impact” on residents.
Deliveries are allowed only between 8am and 10pm.
In a submission to North Lanarkshire Council, Asda said: “This causes huge difficulties.
“Fresh produce arrives at 8am which means shelves are being stacked from 8.30am which is a busy period.
“Our bread delivery is delayed until 10.30am because other fresh produce is in the delivery bay from 8am.
“An extra hour at each end of the day would mean big benefits for the store and customers.”
Shoppers using Asda’s feedback service have complained about empty shelves in the bakery and other fresh produce sections, and warned they’re having to shop elsewhere.
The council will be urged later this month to extend delivery hours at the store for a one-year trial period.
Motherwell councillor Agnes Magowan supports longer hours.
She said: “Customers can’t buy their fresh produce in time for starting their work as staff are still filling the shelves.
“These delivery hours put Asda at a disadvantage compared to their competitors.”
