A SECOND car park in Basingstoke will be closed to the public during the night to deter unauthorised car meets, it has been revealed.

Gates to the Morrison’s car park in Worting Road will be promptly closed after the store’s shut, according to borough councillor Arun Mummalaneni who had a meeting with the supermarket’s store manager.

Previously it was decided that gates to the Hatch Warren Retail Park’s car park will also be closed in the night to stop unauthorised car meets.

READ MORE: Gates to  Hatch Warren Retail Park to be closed at night

Cllr Mummalaneni said: “I took this matter seriously and promptly engaged with Morrison's store manager. I'm pleased to report that they have been incredibly cooperative and understanding of our concerns.

“As a result, they have agreed to close the car park immediately after the store's closing hours whenever they can. This is a significant step towards curbing these gatherings, ensuring the safety of our community, and preventing any further inconvenience.”

The Morrisons car park was a venue for a car meet on Sunday, August 27, which caused disturbance to nearby residents.

Residents reported to the Gazette that they heard loud engines and backfiring coming from cars attending a car meet in Morrisons car park.

It was also reported that cars had been racing around the Basingstoke ring road.

SEE ALSO: Police called to late night car meet in Morrisons car park

Cllr Mummalaneni, who is also a county councillor, said he has advocated for the installation of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras in the Morrisons car park.

“It is a measure already implemented by other superstores,” he said.

“This added layer of security will help monitor and deter any unauthorised activities, promoting a safer environment for all.

“I have also reached out to our local law enforcement, urging them to take swift action against this anti-social behaviour. Our goal is to put an end to these unauthorised car meets, which have been causing significant disruption to our community.”

A Morrisons spokesperson said: "We are keen to find a long-term solution to this issue to ensure the safety of our nighttime colleagues and to minimise the noise disruption for local residents.  We are in regular contact with both the police and Borough Councillor and have agreed that in the coming weeks will be shutting our car park at night."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson previously said: "We take the issue of dangerous driving at car meets seriously.

"It endangers the lives of those behind the wheel, anyone watching and the general public, and we know they can have a significant impact on local communities."