Winchester News Online
Card charge ban: Customers charged illegally at Winchester shops
Customers are being illegally charged at two popular Winchester shops, according to a Winol investigation.
Premier Stores on Wavell Way and Premier Stores on Cromwell Road are making customers pay 25p extra if they spend under £4 and wish to pay by card.
Credit and debit card surcharges were banned by the government a year ago, but customers shopping at the stores are still having to pay.
Both of the shops are about a mile from the university and are used regularly by students.
Vice President of Winchester’s Student Union, Millie Clucas, said: “I don’t think this is right. For students who use the shops on a daily basis, these charges can add up and really restrict their funds. We need to stop this.”
Defending the 25p fee, a spokesperson for the store on Wavell Way said: “Massive supermarkets may not charge, but you can’t compare them to a small convenience store who is already struggling.
“We are making a loss if a customer purchases a 30p item on a card, but we don’t want to turn them away.”
Premier Stores on Cromwell Road is insisting customers pay 25p for a lollipop when spending under £4.
A spokesperson for the store said: “Customers have a choice whether they want to buy the lollipop which covers the bank charge, if they don’t want to they can buy the products elsewhere.”
Citizens Advice said: “Both of the charges are illegal, some will try dressing it up in another way, but it’s the same charge.”
Card fees were banned for Visa and Mastercard payments across the EU, and the Treasury estimated that in 2010 consumers spent £473m on surcharges.
Bookers, who own the Premier brand, said: “All Premier stores are independently owned which means we have no operational control, however will raise this matter with the retailers.”
Trading Standards have been notified and are carrying out a full investigation into both of the stores.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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