To be bothered by this at Morrison's? Photos included

[VictoriaMeldrew2020]

Our local Morrison's had reduced its customer capacity because of covid.

Though it just feels like normal everyday busyness in there.

There's 3 customer entrance/points in normal times, nowadays there's just one.

The one entrance is fine with respect to being able to socially distance from others going in and out, there a a lot of Christmas stock in there creating a barrier.

I'm very aware I'm becoming a Grumpy Old woman, so I'm just asking for perspective regarding the following issue. Please be candid.

The other two ebtrabce/exit points are blocked off

One is at the top of a ramp and opens onto the High Street. One is much bigger and opens on to the car park.

The car park doors has a lobby and this is now used for storing stock in big crates. The ousyde of these doors are barriered off. (Photos just about show the stock from inside the store, my camera is shit, apologies)

I feel that this situation is worryingly unsafe.

Perhaps the smaller customer numbers has meant that the risk has been assessed, and the single entrance (full of chocolate boxes) is sufficient?

AIBU to be concerned?

@BuntysTwinkle

You've not been here then. Our Morrisons burnt down two years ago after a pan in their kitchen caught fire. The whole store had to be rebuilt.

Folkestone, right? (I'm in Ramsgate, hi!)

That's right . Hi !

They sent the fire chief round no less, who told the manager either move the lot or l'm shutting the store down

Love it Sometimes it's the only thing which makes these idiots listen, but it's just a shame it has to come to that

@JinglingHellsBells

None is blocked off. They have a tape across one and a plastic barrier on the other, both of which could easily be moved in event of a fire.

Is there a marshall at the door, monitoring people going in, who would move them if the fire alarm went off?

The first photo clearly shows yellow (crates?) stacked 4 high entirely blocking the other side of the fire doors

@VictoriaMeldrew2020

There's fire exit signage above the doors. You can see it in thr photos.

I've messaged them but heard no response

I wouldn't bother messaging a supermarket, or any big company. The easiest thing to do it just go in and politely talk to one of the staff about your concern.

Chances are they've risk assessed it to death and it's fine, but as a customer you can politely ask them to confirm that.

They might be stockpiling a few things for Brexit/ panic buying.
Just thinking of reasons why they may have put that stuff there - maybe they needed the extra space.

Just ask them about it. They are a massive supermarket chain and it's unlikely they would be able to do anything without a million health and safety checks.

www.wmfs.net/contact-us/

if you scroll down a bit you can click on "Report a fire safety issue"

The thing is, as a previous poster pointed out, in the event of a fire (and possibly the electrics blowing or there being smoke) those fire exit signs will be lit up to help people find their way out easily. If that exit is then blocked it could be fatal.

@JinglingHellsBells

Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? In my lifetime, never.

well then you are not very aware.

I was with mum in Homebase, when the fire alarm went off and we had to leave.

And then a couple of years ago there was a fire in our local (huge) asda. The store was evacuated and was closed for the rest of that day. Re-opened next morning as fire was in the store room at the back. Significant fire damage in the back though

@BuntysTwinkle

You've not been here then. Our Morrisons burnt down two years ago after a pan in their kitchen caught fire. The whole store had to be rebuilt.

Folkestone, right? (I'm in Ramsgate, hi!)

I was just coming on to say you must be near me!

Morrisons got both barrels from me last year... Served Carrot and Walnut Cake on the same plate as Unicorn Cake and with only one set of tongs!
Great for those with nut allergies!! (NOT!!)

@pussycatinboots

www.wmfs.net/contact-us/

if you scroll down a bit you can click on "Report a fire safety issue"

I filled out this firm about an hour ago 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Strange that you've got on the correct force. I didn't think I revealed my location

@JinglingHellsBells

"Also, how many times have we heard of a fire in a supermarket? In my lifetime, never."

I've also wondered what would happen if there was a terrorist incident or even a violent crime etc. I've been in a shop and they've had to evacuate or lock the doors until the Police have come.

@BoobsOnTheMoon

It's unsafe. Fair enough to take the extra entrances out of use. Even to put tape over them. But fire exits should never be physically blocked.

I agree entirely. Yanbu!

Our local boyes store has a carpark out the back so had 3 entrances and exits. (2 at the front and one out the back).

Now they only use one set of doors in and out. The other front doors are blocked and the other back exit doors/fire escape (and assembly point!) is not accessible as they have blocked them off with the shutters down and about 6 trolleys of stock in front of them. Feels very unsafe.

Yeah they shouldn’t be blocking them.

I suspect the PP recognised the Morrisons, and realised where you are, posting a store pic is quite revealing for other locals.

As for JinglingHellsBells, one of the common themes at fires tends to be “Well we’ve never had one before!”. And as PP have pointed out, supermarket fires have occurred numerous times recently.

OP - one of your photos has the name of the town next to the Morrisons.

Yes, i saw the name of the store on the photo and recognised the place as I lived nearby as a student.

Ahha not so spooky after all!

I'll update any response from WMFS or the Head Office.

Or if I notice any change.

@Comefromaway

Yes, i saw the name of the store on the photo and recognised the place as I lived nearby as a student.

Hullo previous Localler