ANGRY shopkeepers are joining forces in a bid to block a proposed parking ban they claim will devastate their businesses.

Borough council highway chiefs plan to ban parking along Willow Street, Congleton, to solve long-standing traffic congestion caused by parked cars.

However the move has sparked furious protests from shop owners, who fear their takings will be slashed as their crucial passing trade disappears overnight.

Chip shop co-owner Dawn Greensmith fears the ban could force her to close, while newsagent Elaine Malkin claimed she could lose half her business as a result.

Businesses in Foundry Bank are also worried about the loss of trade, and a petition is being organised to fight the proposed ban.

Residents have until September 11 to object to the planned ban, which is due to operate from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday.

The ban will affect part of Foundry Bank and both sides of Willow Street, with a lay-by due to be created for two or three cars on the right as you leave town.

"We only took over the chip shop in December, and could end up having to close down because the majority of our business is passing trade at lunch and tea times,'' said Dawn Greensmith, who runs the Green Island chip shop with brother Keith Barker.

"It's our first business, our parents had it for 25 years before us. We are going to fight as hard as we can against this ban.''

Elaine Malkin said passing trade was crucial to the success of her business, which included newspapers, the National Lottery and an off-licence.

"It is hard enough for small businesses to survive at the moment, and the council should be trying to help not hinder us,'' she said.

Ward councillor Judith Thwaite suggested a 30-minute waiting restriction instead of a complete parking ban.

"The ban will wipe out all the small shops, and you cannot close down people's livelihoods. It's appalling.''

A council spokesman said the parking ban was due to be introduced to improve road safety and the flow of traffic.

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