ANGRY Wootton Bassett traders say they are facing financial ruin over North Wiltshire District Council's decision to introduce parking charges in the town.

They say the move to abolish the two-hour free parking period in Boroughfields car park means fewer people are willing to shop in the town.

Alan Mole, 61, who owns Bassett Books in the High Street, says trade has been down since fees were introduced two weeks ago.

Margaret and Alan Friend, who own Framing and Stamping Corner in the High Street, are equally outraged.

A petition against the decision has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Mr Mole said: "This has had a major influence on trade in the area. I am down 37 per cent on takings for the last two weeks alone. This is drastic now.

"We might be able to survive for a short while, but longer term there is just no way.

"I think if one shop closes it will be like a domino effect. Urgent action is required by the powers that be to avoid the death of our town as we know it."

The decision to abolish the free parking was taken by the Liberal Democrat council, before the Conservative party won overall control in the May 3 elections.

Visitors to Wootton Bassett now have to pay 30p for the first hour and 80p for the second.

"Wootton Bassett Conservatives will only say we are on the case'," said Mr Mole.

"While things may be happening behind the scenes the people whose livelihood is in jeopardy would like to be informed.

"Since the elections on May 3 there has been plenty of talking but very little doing.

Traders believe that possible compromises, including a free 30-minute parking period, would be a waste of time.

Mrs Friend, who has been trading in the town for seven years, said: "It's almost ghost town-like. There aren't even many cars coming into the town. Smaller traders have been hit the hardest.

"This is mine and my husband's sole income. I think people from the council should stand the other side of the counter to see how business has been affected.

"I would like to see charges for all parking completely taken away from all market towns."

Coun Chuck Berry, the portfolio holder responsible for parking at North Wiltshire District Council, said: "We empathise with the traders' pain. This is a very difficult situation.

"It is very easy to say the previous administration is responsible for this mess but in this case it is true.

"With the problems of the leisure centres in the area, car parking is being used to supplement their costs, which are about £550,000 outstanding.

"We are proposing to set up a working committee, which we hope will be attended by the Chamber of Commerce, town centre retailers, representatives from North Wilts, and possibly a big retailer. We will work with them to sort this out."

A meeting will be arranged for next week.