ANGRY shopkeepers campaigning to save free parking in Wootton Bassett claim that more than half of the town supports them.

They say their takings are down by up to 35 per cent since North Wiltshire District Council started charging shoppers for leaving their vehicles in the Boroughfields car park.

Alan Mole, owner of Bassett Books in High Street, launched a petition after the council imposed a charge of 30p to park for an hour.

Mr Mole said: "The traders are really feeling the pinch. Some people have told me they are down by 30 to 35 per cent.

"The petition has been out for about three weeks and we are still getting signatures.

"We have got more than 5,500 already and I would expect by the time we hand it in to the council meeting on Tuesday, we'll have 6,000.

"That's 50 per cent at least of the town's population and it is not just the traders who are upset.

"I had a lady come in this morning who couldn't understand why she had to pay 30p to pop to the bank.

"People don't want to see the town destroyed. Coming to the shops in Wootton Bassett is not like going to a retail park.

"Everything looks the same in those places, but Wootton Bassett is unique. This parking situation could destroy it."

Margaret Friend, who runs Framing and Stamping Corner, also in High Street, said: "The charges were introduced without any warning. We went home for the bank holiday and when we came back we found it cost 30p to park.

"And if you only have a 50p-piece you don't get any change either.

"There had been discussions about it before, but I think it took most people by surprise.

"It is driving business away from the town. If people can't park then they'll go to west Swindon.

"People used to come into the shop complaining that they couldn't find a space, but now it is always at least half-empty."

Free parking was abolished by the Liberal Democrat previous council in May, just days before the Tories took over in a landslide victory.

Shoppers now have to pay 30p for one hour or 80p for two hours.

"The Conservatives did say they agreed with us, but nothing has been done," added Mrs Friend.

The traders are making a final appeal for anyone who supports their cause to add their name to the petitions in High Street shops.

Supporters are also being asked to join them at the council meeting Chippenham on Tuesday.

The district councillor in charge of car parks, Chuck Berry, said: "The first thing we are going to do is listen to the concerns of the traders, but we still need to raise the £550,000 a year the parking charges provide.

"A simple solution would be to have one hour free parking in High Street. Then we could move long-term parking to the car park by Sainsbury's. That way people could still pull up and use the local shops."