Market Hall traders back car parking rise protest

Traders at Bolton Market Hall believe any increase in car parking charges would damage their businesses and the town as a shopping centre.

They said Bolton Council's plan to increase parking charges from April by nearly seven per cent will drive customers away. So far, more than 600 coupons have been sent into our offices.

Traders said they were prepared to put bins out to collect campaign coupons from the Bolton Evening News -- which have been filled out by readers supporting our campaign.

David Wood, co-ordinator of the Tenants Association at Bolton Market Hall, said: "I've spoken to all the stallholders in the Market Hall and we're all behind the Bolton Evening News campaign. We're prepared to put bins outside our stalls to collect the coupons.

"We've got massive competition from other shopping centres and an increase to car parking charges will drive people away. It will not put us on a level playing field with our competitors.

"We have a fabulous town centre and facilities, but people will go elsewhere because of the price increase."

A spokesman for the Crompton Place Shopping Centre said they would also put out bins to collect the coupons.

And Rod Neasham, centre manager for the Market Place said: "Car parking prices are a very emotive issue in Bolton and I am very much against any blanket increase in prices, which I feel will send out the wrong message to our customers.

"Any pricing structure should be carefully analysed and adjustments made that will benefit shoppers and visitors to the town centre. Prices should be set at competitive rates with other towns, with the provision of easy access and a safe environment."

In Bolton, on the Folds Road council car park, a three-hour stay costs £1.80. In Bury, people can park for three hours for 70p. At the Trafford Centre and Middlebrook, on the outskirts of Bolton, parking is free.

The ruling Labour group is due to discuss the proposed price increases next week.