DOZENS of shops in Northwich town centre are backing the campaign to keep free parking in the town.

Almost 30 shops have petitions which have been produced as part of the Park the Charge campaign by Northwich Independent Retailers Association and the Guardian.

The campaign was sparked by proposals by Cheshire West and Chester Council to look at charging for council car parks in Northwich and Winsford as part of major cost-cutting plans for 2016 to 2020.

The paper petitions have been produced by the campaigners alongside an e-petition on the Cheshire West and Chester website.

The petitions and Park the Charge posters are available from Phil Bower’s art shop in Witton Street.

“It was decided on October 17 at our regular NIRA meeting that businesses needed to stand up and be counted in reaction to Cheshire West and Chester’s Let’s Talk consultation and proposals to review the boroughs parking strategy,” said Phil.

“Northwich businesses have been through a lot over the last few years, with unrivalled investment into the town bringing a mixture of joy and misery to the town’s retailers and businesses.

“The developments have made Northwich a difficult destination for shoppers and visitors, especially with the recent car park closures and limited parking times as a result of the Barons Quay development, and a feeling that with the Barons Quay development being well under way and on target to open in 2016 that we might at last feel the benefit of such positive changes.

“Northwich is well known for free car parking, the cost of which has been paid for through both business and residential rates.

“To propose that this might change is a serious worry to businesses, and will inevitably mean that town residents will also have to pay to park as well.

“The risk of imposing such a change is that shoppers may well choose not to continue to support the town.

“NIRA maintains it is not in the interests of Northwich to charge for parking, and is a risk to businesses and in turn a risk to jobs.”

People can click on a link at www.parkthecharge.co.uk to sign the online petition.

Individuals/community groups or businesses wishing to obtain a paper petition pack or with any inquiries about the campaign can email niranorthwich@gmail.com

The NIRA facebook page will carry regular updates on the campaign www.facebook.com/lovenorthwich

It is also working with Open Winsford to promote the campaign to the residents and businesses of Winsford – see www.facebook.com/openwinsford

Paper petitions are available at Crafty Stitches, Curtain Magic, Store 101, Gilroy Wilson Shoes, Northwich Dry Cleaners, Melting Pot Café, The Ink Doctor, Sue Ryder, Northwich and District Youth Centre, Firthfield Pet Store, Relate, Artwork Studios, Meller Braggins, Oakmere Toyota, Quayside, Kanya, Northwich Art Shop, Viva, Charlies, Cosy Kitchen, Bruschetta Cafe, Sew Easy, Macouti, Rosebank Sports, CRS Consultants, Butters John Bee.