MORE than 400 customers and 60 businesses have signed a petition urging the council to scrap its plan to charge people to park on a “unique” shopping street in Chester.

Traders on Brook Street fear a new £1 charge for on-street parking could put some of them out of business. It is currently free to park for up to an hour.

Led by Stewart Tattersall, of Dee Sports, and John Kenyon, of the Friends of Brook Street traders group, they handed their petition over to Cheshire West and Chester Council this morning (Wednesday, March 21).

Mr Tattersall, who has run his shop on the street since 1978, told The Standard he hoped it would make the council rethink its plan.

“There has been universal condemnation of this proposal,” he said. “If the council pays no attention it just goes to show they don’t listen to people.”

Mr Kenyon added: “This is such a bad idea given the start-up nature of the businesses on what is a unique street in Chester. Anything that stops customers coming to the street can’t be good for them.”

Objectors to the plan have until Thursday, March 29, to have their voices heard by emailing kieran.collins@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Council chiefs say the order is part of an action plan to “ensure parking in Chester is fit for purpose and positively contributes to the city’s economy”.

It is part of the council’s 15-year parking strategy, designed to better manage car parking demand across the city.

A spokesman said: “Due to a lack of parking available in areas such as Brook Street, vehicles are often found parked on the pavement where yellow lines are present, which causes road safety issues.

“The introduction of modest parking charges will help ensure that parking places are available for those visiting the local shops, bars and restaurants.”