BUSINESS owners in Congleton are getting together to try to stop proposed parking charges being introduced.

Congleton Business Association met last night to decide on their next step, as Cheshire East Council begins a two-month consultation into the plan.

Earlier this month, councillors approved the environment and prosperity scrutiny committee's recommendations to introduce charges subject to certain conditions.

One of the conditions is to allow free parking for the first half-an-hour at Fairview car park in Alsager for parents taking children to and from school.

If the plans go through, car parks in Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich could introduce pay-and-display charges later this year – bringing them in line with Crewe and Nantwich and Macclesfield.

But business leaders fear charges could have a "dramatic effect" on the town.

The issue was at the top of the agenda at last night's meeting at the Lion and Swan pub in the town.

Geoff Baggott, from financial advisers Malbon Townsend, who chaired the meeting, said he hoped businesses could come together to create a "powerful voice" during the consultation period.

He added: "Small businesses are the life-blood of towns like Congleton and right now many of the shops need a helping hand, not hurdles. It is important that we work together on this issue to ensure the best possible outcome for Congleton and our businesses."

Traders have expressed concerns parking fees will turn customers away in favour of bigger towns.

Hayley Sardinha, of Parkgate Ladieswear, in Swan Bank, said: "It seems inevitable, but I don't think a parking fee can be justified for the few shops we have here at the moment."

Proposed charges range from 30p for the first hour to 50p for one to two hours, £1 for two to four hours and £1.50 for more than four hours – and some car parks will still be free.

Councillor David Brickhill, pictured, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: "The proposed changes will not only ensure available spaces for both shoppers and workers, but will also help to maintain the flow of traffic through busy areas.

"Congleton residents are this year enjoying a lower council tax rate than the year prior. What we are trying to ensure with these plans is that those who use car parks help to maintain them and those who do not have a car are not charged via their council tax for a service that they do not benefit from."

The Congleton Business Association steering group will now draw up a list of all the parking-related issues they feel need to be addressed, to take up with the town council and Cheshire East.

Meetings will be held for the public to ask questions about the plans at Sandbach Town Hall on August 4 from 6.30pm, Congleton Town Hall on August 6 from 6.30pm, Middlewich Civic Hall on August 11 from 6.30pm, Alsager Leisure Centre on August 12 from 6.30pm and Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre on August 17 from 7.30pm.