PARKING FEE FIGHT STEPS UP A GEAR

CAMPAIGNERS fighting the introduction of pay-and-display parking in four town centres have lodged a complaint with council chiefs.

From January 11, motorists in Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager and Middlewich will have to pay to use previously free car parks.

But the No2ParkingCharges group, which has the backing of a 12,000-name petition, argues the charges will hit small businesses and result in overspill parking on nearby streets.

Now, the group has made an official complain to Cheshire East Council on the grounds it has not properly followed the guidelines issued by the Secretary of State in implementing the charges.

If successful, the introduction of the charges could be suspended, and the entire consultation process repeated.

Group chairman Ian Knowlson said: "We believe Cheshire East Council would be acting unlawfully should it proceed with the introduction of its proposed parking charges in January.

"We believe the council's policy is economically unsustainable in the current economic environment."

Under the current plan, motorists will be charged 30 pence for an hour and 50 pence for two hours across most of the area.

But shoppers and traders are still hopeful the pay-and-display scheme will not be introduced.

James Kennedy, who owns cocktail and wine bar DV8, in Congleton, said: "At the moment we're busier than ever, but I think the charges will affect us massively."

Dave Dove, aged 32, of Congleton, said: "These charges aren't necessary and will drive people away from the town."

Councillor David Brickhill, pictured, who is overseeing the scheme, believes the introduction of charges will go ahead as planned on January 11.

He said: "Once the complaint is received, it will be investigated in a thorough manner.

"If a legal fault is found with the administrative work we have carried out, the introduction of the charges would be suspended, but we have taken a lot of trouble to make sure everything we have done has gone through the correct legal channels."