NAILSWORTH businesses fear that the potential introduction of parking charges will result in dozens of businesses closing.

Next week a full meeting of Stroud District Council will discuss the potential introduction of car parking charges, which business owners say could result in 39 businesses in the town closing.

Stroud News and Journal:

A sign currently displayed in the Old Market West Car Park in Nailsworth

The results of a questionnaire sent to 56 businesses by Buskins Shoe Shop owner Diana Styles also predicts that the equivalent of 29 jobs could be lost if the plans go ahead.

“The whole town has already seen a big drop in visitors since the high street banks disappeared,” she said.

“We have a variety of good independent shops in the town, but this will be the final straw for many of them,” she said.

Additionally a petition set up by Diana has collected over 800 signatures and comments from individuals contesting the potential parking charges.

Stroud News and Journal:

Leonie Stiles and her mother Diana are celebrating Buskins' 15th anniversary last year

Nailsworth district councillors Norman Kay (Green) and Sue Reed (Labour) have also expressed their concern at the introduction of the fees.

“We know that the district council is being starved of resources by Theresa May, but it is not acceptable to undermine the very life of the town,” a joint state from the councillors read.

However, a council spokesperson said that a decision was yet to be made about any changes to parking regulations in the district.

“We are currently undertaking car park survey work in Cainscross, Dursley, Minchinhampton, Nailsworth, Stratford Park and Wotton-under-Edge,” she said.

“The results will form part of a review that will determine whether or not car park regulations should be changed. If changes are proposed, a period of consultation will take place," she explained.

Stroud News and Journal:

Nailsworth Mayor Jonathan Duckworth said that the town would 'die on its feet'.

Mayor of Nailsworth Jonathan Duckworth said: “Our town is full of vibrant businesses run by local people, the introduction of charges would undoubtedly result in a lot of job losses.”

“We don’t have a railway station or leisure centre, so the suggestion that the introduction of parking charges would bring the town into line with others isn’t valid.

"Nailsworth will die on its feet.” he concluded.

The introduction of fees and charges was discussed at a SDC meeting on last week, as part of the council's medium term financial plan.

Stroud News and Journal:

Link to the SDC strategy & resources meeting agenda and associated documents can be found on the council website here.

A motion to put the medium term financial plan before a full council was passed by a majority of councillors present.

SDC's full council meeting on January 25 will now consider the medium term finanical plan of which the potential "new parking regime" is one item.

A link to all SDC council meetings agendas and documents can be found at stroud.gov.uk