SHOPKEEPERS are furious after a town car park was closed before Christmas 'for no apparent reason'.

Tabley Street car park was closed by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) to allow work to start on the regeneration of Barons Quay.

But traders say nothing is happening on the site and a replacement car park that was promised still has not materialised.

Northwich town councillor Louise Hough, who runs Crafty Stitches with her mum Joan Hubbard, raised the issue at the latest meeting of Northwich Town Council.

"We were told it was the best option and would cause minimal disruption in town but it's just before Christmas and nothing has taken place, no work is being done on the car park," she said.

"They've closed the car park for no apparent reason, it's sat doing nothing much.

"As a business we are getting hit time and time again and it's a horrendous situation the town is in."

CWAC is planning to bring a disused car park in Leicester Street back into use but Clr Hough said this had not happened and also explained that street lights at the junction of Leicester Street and Barons Quay Road were not working.

"The lights are out at the proposed car park, it's pitch black and dangerous for people parking there at night time," she said.

"I've brought it up time and time again but nothing's been done about it.

"It's unacceptable to lose a car park at the busiest time of the year and they've not taken into consideration what's happening with the other car parks at this stage."

Clr Hough said traders had asked for a meeting with CWAC but had been told that CWAC councillors needed to be briefed before traders.

"We don't want to be briefed," Clr Hough said.

"We want to discuss our concerns."

Northwich Town Council has asked for an earlier meeting with CWAC to find a solution.