TRADERS at the Warrington Makers Market have been left ‘disgusted’ after they were handed parking fines as they unloaded their vehicles for the event.

Several small business owners were slapped with penalty charge notices by traffic wardens as they set up their stalls for the artisan market in Time Square in the town centre on Sunday, November 14.

Amy Smith, from Latchford, was among the traders affected – having been selling goods as part of her business Pixie Dust Wax Melts and Candles.

She said: “We all explained that we were loading and that our cars would be moved once we’d carried our gazebos and tables across.

“The traffic warden didn’t revoke the fines.

“As a small business based in Warrington, I’m utterly disgusted with the way myself and fellow traders have been treated.

“My business has barely survived a pandemic, and just when things are starting to get back to normality the council issues fines for small local traders who were clearly loading.

“It’s just another kick for us small businesses who have seriously been impacted enough.

“Hundreds of people visit these markets on a monthly basis, but there will be no market if we traders are slapped with a fine every month.

“Cars and vans were not parked on double yellow lines either – no-one was obstructing the road.”

Warrington Borough Council has also refused Amy’s appeal against the parking fine.

A council spokesman told the Warrington Guardian: “People are able to safely load and unload their vehicles if they are parked in a place that permits this.

“Our civil enforcement officers will observe the situation to obtain evidence that this is taking place.

“If no loading or unloading is observed after a reasonable period of time, the officer may issue a PCN. If a vehicle is parked where it is prohibited to load and unload, such as in a marked bus stop or on double yellow lines, a PCN may be issued without any requirement for further evidence.

“On both occasions the owner is entitled to appeal.

“We always carefully look at appeals before a decision is made and a response is issued. We are working closely with traders to ensure they know where they can park to load and unload safely in designated areas.”