New parking charges in Stockport worry shop owners. They fear it will reduce customers and harm local businesses.
Shop owners worry about fewer customers. They think charges will hurt village businesses. Marple Bridge and Woodley traders asked the council to reconsider. They want the council to find money elsewhere.
The council knows this is not easy for residents. They will introduce charges in 21 car parks. Reddish, Cheadle Hulme, and other towns get the new fees. It will cost 50p for one hour to park. Ten hours will cost £2.40.
The council wants to encourage walking and biking. They want to help the environment. Paul Dutson runs a deli in Marple Bridge. He says most of his customers are local.
Caron Gardner owns a clothing shop. She worries about losing casual shoppers. Richard Noble runs a fish and chip shop. He needs people to park briefly for pickups. He wants easy parking for his customers. He thinks charges will keep people away.
Katie Fenna has a dog grooming shop in Woodley. She depends on passing customers using the car park. The Redhouse Lane car park is free now in Woodley. Parents use it for school pick-ups. Katie said the council should help local businesses.
Councillor Grace Baynham understands the concerns. She said councils must protect important services. Libraries, pools, parks, and social care need funding. Most of the budget helps vulnerable people. The parking charges will help keep these services running.