READERS have been flocking to back the Bolton Evening News in the fight to stop car park charges from being increased.

Nearly 400 people have already sent in protest coupons and have sent e-mails. And the message is clear: "Don't touch the car park charges."

Motorists say increasing the fee will drive people away. But the concerns are running deeper than mere fears of having to pay more to park.

Some believe the town is in decline and they want Bolton Council to do everything it can to turn it around. And many propose lowering car park fees as a way to attract more people to give traders a boost.

Carole Dawson, of Buckthorn Close, Bolton, said: "The council is doing a very good job of killing the town centre -- you only need to walk round and see all the empty shops and units to see that! If I need to buy a birthday gift for anyone, I have to go out of town or buy mail order."

Colin Sutcliffe, of Canada Street, Halliwell, pleads: "Please reconsider the proposed parking charge increases. This can only harm the shoppers and traders of our town.

"Bolton once had a famous shopping centre and coaches from other towns were laid on for day shopping trips.

"Sadly, Bolton is becoming infamous for its parking charges and general inconsideration to its visitors and shoppers."

Carole Swincroft, of Staford Road, Bradshaw, said: "As a town centre office worker paying car park charges every day, I think an increase is criminal."

A spokesman for Lancashire Car Parks, which operates spaces off Breightmet Street, said: "The council has a virtual monopoly on car parks which is why it can put up costs at double the rate of inflation."

Bolton Council is planning to increase car park charges by seven per cent to cover a £45,000 shortfall in the environment department budget.