ASDA Halesowen has dropped an unpopular plan to restrict access to the store to one level to crack down on shoplifting.

People complained after the superstore in the Cornbow Shopping Centre closed its ground floor entrance - restricting access to the upper floor.

A notice informing people of the move stated: "Going forward we will be opening the store exclusively on level two.

"To enhance your shopping experience and streamline our operations, we have made this adjustment.

It goes on: "We apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding and co-operation."

Cornbow Shopping Centre manager Eve O'Connor said the move, to crack down on shoplifting, was a trial, but was dropped after one day after proving unpopular with customers. 

She said: "It went viral after just one day."

Halesowen BID put a picture of the notice on its Facebook page.

Halesowen News: The notice informing customers of the move The notice informing customers of the move (Image: Halesowen BID)

One person commented said: "Shoplifting is a massive problem and especially in asda.

"I've heard of people walking out with a trolley full of alcohol and not payin and its always on the bottom floor!!"

Another said: "What a ridiculous idea, for the sake of paying a salary for security on the lower floor everyone is to be inconvenienced."

But a spokesperson for Asda said today (Monday July 17) the doors are back open on both floors and claimed the move had been due to "maintenance."

They said: "I can confirm there's been no change in access, the doors are now open again.

"There were no plans for any changes, I believe they were closed for maintenance."