IT’S hardly surprising to read that Stockton Heath traders are finding their takings have been hit since the ridiculous idea to reduce free parking to one hour was introduced in November last year.

As a local who often shops in Stockton Heath, an hour is just not enough. Why is the council trying to hammer another nail in the coffin for local and independent retailers?

Both in Lymm and Stockton Heath you used to be able to park free for two hours which at least gave you a reasonable amount of time.

But an hour goes by far too quickly. If you are held up at the doctors (which is frequent) and then need to get a prescription, an hour is often not enough. And try getting your hair done in an hour – sorry that’s not nearly enough.

And we all know how over-zealous the car parking wardens are. A few weeks ago I parked at The Forge car park, got out to get a ticket and when I got back to my car the parking warden was there writing something down. I told him I’d just arrived and he said he was just writing down my arrival time, but I wasn’t convinced.

In Lymm as well it’s just as bad. These traders need our support. The village has loads of places to eat, but who wants to bolt down their food in an hour. You want to relax and enjoy the experience.

Clr Laurence Murphy was quoted in last week’s Guardian saying the council will ‘speak to the traders about car parking’ but it sounds like it’s a bit late for that Laurence.

Why can’t Stockton Heath and Lymm be treated like Northwich where you can park for three hours for free? There they have a massive car park outside Marks and Spencer and I don’t ever remember seeing a prowling traffic warden.

Three hours gives you time to shop, get a coffee or something to eat, all of which you can no longer do in Stockton Heath and Lymm.

Yes ok you can pay to park but fewer people will do this – they will simply go elsewhere.

This ill-conceived ruling is killing off trade and something needs to be done now before you see Stockton Heath empty like Bridge Street. Then it will be too late.

This council is supposed to support business – it’s about time it showed it really means that.

  • Another pub bites the dust – this time Chicago Rock in the town centre. Staff there were last week made redundant by e-mail. What a dreadful way to treat employees.

They received an e-mail from administrators Deloitte informing them that their contracts had been terminated. Oh, and a Job Centre application form was attached.

What a sad indictment of society that loyal staff, some who had been there for years, don’t even warrant being told their jobs are gone face to face.

It’s inexcusable that someone from Atmostphere Bars and Clubs – the company which owns 19 Chicago Rock bars – could not even be bothered to tell them.

What price loyalty?