STUNNED firms are fearing for their future after a pay and display car park formerly open to customers was barricaded without warning.

Firms based at Bridge Foot Business Centre, on Old Road, have hit out at the changes due to a 'lack of consultation'.

The site has been owned by Wire Regeneration since March 2014 and following discussions it signed a lease agreement with Network Warrington for the firm's staff to use the site as a car park.

Mark Collins, who runs MC Alternators from the site, was among the traders stunned by the changes.

He said: "We are upset because we have not been informed – they have not consulted anyone about this. We were not expecting it at all.

"Since they did it business has been quiet, people don't want to come here now, going forward we are worried.

"Also, because it is blocked off, lorries are struggling to get down here, it is dangerous.

"Central Government is trying to promote small businesses but this is going away from that.

"I am not against regeneration but they should be consulting us."

Twenty Four Seven managing director Alan Burton, who has been at the adjacent New Media Centre since 1999, also fears a drop in custom – but it is not his only cause of distress.

He said: "I have tenants in the building but could lose them.

"There has been no consultation about this – we have had no contact. I think they are trying to squeeze us out of business."

Despite the concerns, a Wire Regeneration spokesman confirmed it is open to discussions with the traders.

He said: "The site has been owned by Wire Regeneration since March 2014 and is one of a number of assets vested in it by the company's two shareholders, Warrington Borough Council and Langtree.

"It had been operated as a pay and display car park but was under-utilised and so Wire Regeneration has signed a lease agreement with bus company Network Warrington for it to use it as a car park for its staff, who serve the town from the neighbouring bus depot.

"Should any businesses have specific concerns we will be pleased to discuss the issues with them on an individual basis."