Traders in the Arun district fear threatened rises in car Parking fees would force shoppers away from town centres to out-of-town complexes.

Arun District Council officers say they need to raise an extra £51,000 by increasing the prices from April 1.

Opponents have said the charges should be capped and the car parks need significant improvements.

Proposals to be discussed by the council's Cabinet on Monday mean the first hour's parking in six town centre car parks would go up from 10p to 50p. Tariffs for staying longer are not affected.

The summer charge for between two and four hours would increase by 50p to £2.80 in Littlehampton car parks and £2.50 in Bognor.

Parking permits would cost three per cent more.