ANXIOUS businesses fear a freshly painted yellow line outside their shops could drive customers away.

Shopkeepers on High Street in Winsford say they are worried about losing potential trade.

A single yellow painted line prevents anyone parking from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

"We've already seen people pull up and then drive off when they see the yellow line," said florist Georgina Lockett, who recently celebrated the first anniversary of her shop, Georgina's Incredible Blooms.

"We're all worried about losing passing trade. You need to make it as easy as possible for customers to pop in.

"The council says they support local businesses yet they are making it so difficult for customers to park. How are we supposed to trade of people can't get near us?"

Jonathan Sheen, whose late dad Allan Sheen set up a sewing machine business on High Street more than 35 years ago, said: "We get a lot of old people coming in with sewing machines to be serviced. They are very heavy. You can't expect people to carry them any distance.

"Dad tried to get a parking bay on the opposite side where the trees are but wasn't successful."

Traders say two sets of parking bays at either end of High Street have no parking restrictions and claim they are being blocked by people who leave their cars there all day.

Georgina added: "We suggest it would be a good idea to put a time limit on these parking bays so they could be used by customers.

"Residents and people who work in town are using these parking bays.

"The council says they want to revive old High Street but they are killing it off again by putting this yellow line in. We are all very worried about the effect this could have on our businesses."

A hairdressers, corner shop, garage and a furniture store are among businesses trading on High Street.

Councillor Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “The single yellow lines have been repainted on High Street in Winsford following complaints about their condition. The yellow lines aren’t new and are in place to help control parking and improve road safety in the area.

“Parking measures have been in place on High Street for quite some time from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday. People are able to park outside of these times.”