Traders take up car spaces (From Stroud News and Journal)

Traders take up car spaces

TRADERS have been accused of driving shoppers away from Nailsworth.

Parish councillor and former mayor, John Nicholson has slammed owners of town centre businesses who he claimed leave their cars all day in the main streets of Nailsworth, then complain there is a parking problem.

"Traders have a tendency to park for eight hours in the town, taking customers' parking spaces," he said.

"They could park in Egypt Mill for £8 a week, but they won't. "This problem is largely of their own making."

Lots of drivers used to leave cars at Egypt Mill, Cllr Nicholson said, but since charges were introduced in April they have all gone elsewhere.

The hotel and restaurant introduced the rules to protect guests' parking spaces, but offer permits to long term users who work in the area.

"There are only about three cars there now," Mr Nicholson said.

"I bet everyone who has stopped parking at the mill and gone into town is a trader who then complains about lack of parking in the town centre for customers."

Mr Nicholson rejected plans for a park and ride scheme in Nailsworth.

"I don't think it's something we should rush to spend money on," he said.

"We are a successful trading town and we need the traders. "But they do not pay us one brass farthing for being here.

"Business rates go to Stroud District Council, so if they don't live here they don't pay us anything.

"We need to look at the needs of residents who pay rates. "I would be more inclined to put public money into getting a traffic warden."