A long-running saga over a temporary car park has taken a positive turn - but shopkeepers still fear for their futures.

The site, accessed via The Turnstones in the Meriden, finally opened on Monday, June 19.

Watford Observer: The temporary Meriden car park opened on Monday, June 19The temporary Meriden car park opened on Monday, June 19 (Image: Newsquest)

It comes after people complained as far back as August 2022 that it needed to be opened to prevent people illegally parking outside the shops.

Watford Observer: The car park had fencing around it for months.The car park had fencing around it for months. (Image: Newsquest)

However, two York Way shopkeepers still do not think it will be enough to help their struggling businesses, which they claim are hampered by a lack of parking.

Long-time Meriden business owner Donald Langford, who co-runs the Meriden Fish Bar, doesn’t believe this will make a difference to the shops’ survival.  

Watford Observer: Donald Langford and Ferhat Cicek co-own the Meriden Fish BarDonald Langford and Ferhat Cicek co-own the Meriden Fish Bar (Image: Meriden Fish Bar)

He said: “Let’s be honest, when you park in there you have still got to cross two roads to get to the shops.”

Prior to the Meriden regeneration project, the shops had parking directly outside in The Gossamers.

Watford Observer: At the moment, people have to cross two roads to get to the shops.At the moment, people have to cross two roads to get to the shops. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Langford added: “I know they [Watford Community Housing and Hertfordshire County Council] are cracking on with it now, but I think it is a bit Micky Mouse in my opinion.

“People who want to rush in the shops for something quick are still going to park outside.”

Watford Observer: The new car park has one disabled space.The new car park has one disabled space. (Image: Newsquest)

In a Meriden social media group, there have been several comments from people complaining that people are still parking illegally outside the shops despite the temporary car park being open.

Iman Dehghani, who co-runs the JetMaid Services, thinks business won’t pick up for the shops until the main car park opens.

Watford Observer: Iman Dehghani, co-runs the JetMaid ServicesIman Dehghani, co-runs the JetMaid Services (Image: Magda Dehghani)

He added: “The temporary car park is very small and not a lot of people know it is open.

“Some people leave their cars parked in there all day now.”

Watford Observer: Will the car park solve the shop's issues?Will the car park solve the shop's issues? (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We know that parking in the area has been difficult during the development works, and we’ve been working with the developers to address these issues and get the temporary car park open.

“We hope that it will help alleviate parking pressures in the area for local residents and businesses.”