MOTORISTS and traders have stepped up their fight to stop plans to increase parking charges across Arun.

Littlehampton Traders Partnership handed in a 2,400-name petition to Arun District Council leader Derek Whittaker on Monday afternoon in protest at the move.

There was anger last year when plans to stop the two-hour free disc parking scheme at St Martin's and Anchor Springs car park in Littlehampton were put forward. The move was part of a scheme to cut costs by the council.

Members of the economic regeneration and tourism committee at Arun District Council were told the disc parking scheme has cost the council about £62,850 in income since it started in 1997.

They want to introduce hourly parking and charge 40p for the first hour and £5 for more than five hours.

But traders say the move would lead to a loss of business and make visitors shop elsewhere. They have circulated response slips across the Arun district.

John Stevens, chairman of Littlehampton Traders, said: "I think the number of signatures shows the strength of feeling in terms of wanting the retention of the disc parking scheme."

The issue is discussed at a meeting of Arun's economic regeneration and tourism committee tonight at Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton, at 6pm.

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