Local businesses are united in their opposition to plans for the imposition of car parking charges at local shopping centres.

Over 80 local businesses and organisations with premises in Bush Fair, The Stow and Old Harlow have responded to a survey by Liberal Democrat councillors and campaigners of their views on the scheme. Those who have replied include traders, professional and financial services, charities, doctors' and dentists' surgeries, and local clubs and societies.

The proposals, which have already been included in the Conservative council's budget plans, have received an angry reception - with only one of those who replied expressing support for the charges.

Disgusting, devastating, a disaster, and defying logic are just some of the descriptions of the plans given by local businesses. Traders believe the charges will put off customers, leading to the closure of local stores. And there are fears that many low paid employees will simply not be able to afford £30 per week to park at work.

Many respondents say that they are already experiencing tough trading conditions as the credit crunch bites, and that the council's proposals will be another nail in the coffin of local shops and shopping centres.

Cllr Manny Doku (Bush Fair) says:

"Shops, clubs and health services alike fear the devastating effect of these charges on staff, customers and patients."

Cllr Robert Thurston (Mark Hall) says:

"The opposition to these charges is overwhelming. The Conservative council must come to its senses and scrap these ill-conceived plans."

Ian Jackson (Harlow North) says:

"The recession is making conditions in the high street bad enough already for local businesses. Plans to charge customers and staff for parking will only make matters worse, and must be stopped."

The council is due to reach its decision on car parking charges at a meeting of the Environment & Community Committee on Tuesday 17 March.