A PROPOSAL to charge for parking in Dursley has been strongly opposed by the town council.

Traders are also concerned by the plans put forward by Stroud District Council, which are under consultation until next week.

If the plans were voted through, at council meetings from November onwards, then parking would be charged in Dursley, Wotton and Nailsworth, starting at 30p and going up to £2.

Cllr Fiona Firth, member of Dursley Town Council, said: "We are really opposed to this proposal because Dursley is only just getting back on its feet again. So much good has been happening in the town we really don’t want anything to spoil that. "The fear is that if we charge for parking, shoppers will bypass us and go shopping in other towns."

Clerk to the council Ann Leaney said councilllors were mainly concerned by the effect on shops with the competition of free parking at places such as Cribbs Causeway and also they were not convinced the scheme would make money as an attendant would need to be in the town every day. Mrs Leaney added: "Dursley needs a permanent solution to the shortage of long stay parking.

"It is important to remember that Dursley has been through a very disruptive three years, between building works, roadworks, etc. "With the temporary roundabout, people are beginning to feel secure about coming to Dursley and not getting snarled up in traffic jams. The last thing we need is parking charges putting people off, or people getting a parking ticket and never coming again."

Mandy Woodward, of Wildwood Flowers in Parsonage Street, said many traders had not had a chance to respond to the consultation because they had been away on holiday. "We have not really had a chance to respond to this, it is pointless holding consultation in August. I would be opposed to the idea," she added. "It may not be a lot of money but I think it would still put people off."

In Wotton the feelings are mixed towards the proposal but Wotton Town Council has agreed to oppose the plans on the grounds that Wotton has to compete with South Gloucestershire towns such as Yate which have free parking and large supermarkets.

The public consultation ends on September 9 and you can give your views by going to www.stroud.gov.uk/parkingreview

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said: "We are grateful for all the comments and points that are being raised. It is positive that so many people are expressing their views and engaging in the consultation process."