A BUSINESSMAN has warned that parking restrictions on a busy road may be driving customers away.

Julian King, who owns Kings Estate Agents on Blackburn Road, fears shops may be forced to close.

He says the problem started when Bolton Council took over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions in August.

Council highway chiefs have countered by saying that there is provision for parking outside the shops on Blackburn Road.

Any problems, they say, could be a simple case of motorists misunderstanding the road markings.

Mr King, who has been running the business for the past two-and-a-half years, is concerned for the economy of the area if parking restrictions are not rescinded.

He said: "They might as well close this end of Bolton down.

"Traffic wardens are swooping on people morning and night. If someone is causing an obstruction, fair enough, but five years ago, the road was widened to three lanes so there is plenty of space for parked cars.

"When the council took over, it changed the broken yellow lines near the shops to a single continuous yellow line and it is being enforced heavily by the wardens.

"I think it is time the council reconsidered the restrictions for this area.

"Businesses are suffering. People are not coming in simply because of the restrictions and the wardens.

"I have raised the alarm because I am concerned for the future of the area. If things go on as they are then I would have to consider relocating.

"I have contacted the council about this but all they say is to write a letter."

Shiela Jackson, council parking customer service manager, said she could see the traders' point of view but wardens were enforcing rules that already exist.

She said: "The council's job is to ensure the main routes in and out of the town are kept as free as possible and moving during peak times.

"It is the wardens' role to enforce existing rules and the traders would have to approach our highways department to see if anything can be done."

But a highways spokesman said provision for parking did exist on this stretch of road.

The restrictions are for no waiting between 7.30am and 9.30am, Monday to Friday, and between 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

At other times motorists are allowed to park for half-an-hour with no return for two hours.

The spokesman said the single yellow line which replaces the former broken yellow line means the same thing and enforces the existing restrictions.

He said: "We have received no representations from anyone calling for changes to the restrictions."