A PLAN to restrict parking outside popular Hartford shops is causing renewed concern in the village.

Chester Road shopkeepers are worried the area is becoming an accident hotspot due to double parking and have raised their concerns with the parish council.

The affected parties remain concerned plans to restrict a third of the parking to one hour will not solve the problems.

One shop worker at June's parish council meeting said: "We are worried about restricted parking affecting our businesses and I think the council has to find a solution so we can all work on this happily."

Hartford Parish Council chairman Richard Haffenden believes the restriction, which would see a one hour limit on parking immediately outside the shops between the off licence and Jim Scott's store, would help trade.

He said: "We all agree there is a need for adequate parking."

A survey revealed 80 per cent of people had experienced problems parking, but Chester Road resident Rosemary Whalley said she had not had her say.

She added: "I wrote to Cheshire County Council but had no reply. I have never been consulted in any resident survey.

"I do not have a garage and this restriction would mean people parking outside my cottage, making it impossible to park outside my house during business hours."

The move was put forward as a way of protecting commercial interests after parish plan questionnaires revealed many people would only stop if parking was available.

Nine out of 13 shopkeepers supported the proposal with objections raised by Zebou Hair Salon owners and representatives from the pharmacy, children's shoe shop and beauty therapists.

Customers requiring longer at the stores would have to park outside the church, cottages or on the opposite side of the road.