Parking charges affecting traders

Traders from a Shropshire market town say the introduction of parking charges has had an adverse affect on business.

Stall holders at Wellington Market say there has been a big drop in trade since the charges were introduced in the town almost two weeks ago.

Telford and Wrekin Borough Council have installed Pay and Display machines at car parks in Wellington and Newport.

It says the charges have been introduced to encourage people to rely less on their cars.

Traders at Newport market say since the charges were introduced on 18 October customers no longer browse as they are up against time.

It is consistent with the council's strategy to reduce reliance on cars and encourage people to find more environmentally friendly forms of transport Kate Bond, from the council

Leslie Arrowsmith, who runs an antique stall, described what Saturday was like for business.

"It's our worst day that we've ever had on the market," she said.

"In all my 10 years that I've been here I can honestly say Saturday was our worst."

The scheme to introduce charges at council run car parks was initially approved at a meeting in July despite protests.

Local businesses were against the idea when it was first put forward, saying charges would affect trade in the two market towns.

But communications manager Kate Bond, from the council, said: "Charges were introduced to deliver a more balanced and sustainable transport system.

"It is consistent with the council's strategy to reduce reliance on cars and encourage people to find more environmentally friendly forms of transport.

"Its timing has been planned when there has been a dramatic improvement in the public transport system in the borough."

A protest group has even considered putting up candidates to challenge local councillors who supported the scheme.