A NEW “magnetic ring” has been put in place around Pitsea’s Tesco superstore in bid to stop people stealing trolleys and dumping them across the town.

The supermarket giant splashed the cash on the new equipment after Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council approached them.

Store bosses say the move has already seen a reduction in the number of trolleys being dumped.

Mr Callaghan said: “I’ve had a good conversation with the manager of the Pitsea Tesco regarding abandoned trolleys.

“I wrote to him to tell him my concerns with the issues in Chalvedon and Felmores.

“He has told me that in the last fortnight, Tesco has spent a considerable amount of money on the magnetic ring around the Tesco car park which will help to stop some of the trolleys being taken off site.

“He knows this is a big issue and I’d ask that if you see it persisting, please let me know so I can go back to him and discuss options.

“Hopefully the situation starts to sort itself out now.”

The technology means when a trolley passes the magnetic perimeter its wheels lock.

Residenrs are also being urged to continue to report dumped trolleys via an app from collection company TrolleyWise.

And locals say they’re pleased to see more will be done to help improve the issue.

Debbie Longfield, 56, of Felmores, said: “It’s been getting worse over the years, I think this work by Tesco shows a dedication to help the environment.

“I don’t understand why people do this and dump trolleys.

“I hope this will stop people taking trolleys which is just unacceptable any way.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “Following feedback from the community we’ve installed a new trolley wheel-lock strip around the perimeter of our Pitsea Extra car park to deter people removing trolleys from the site.

“We would encourage all our visitors to return their trolleys once they have finished their shop for other customers to use.”