15223/01DEVIZES businessman Tim Daw is launching a campaign against Kennet District Council's plan to introduce parking charges in the Market Place for the first time in the town's history.

Last week the council narrowly voted in favour of turning the central area of the Market Place into a pay-and-display car park, charging 30p for 30 minutes with a maximum stay of one hour.

Traders were aware the scheme was on the cards and had complained through their representatives on the council that it would have a detrimental effect on business in the town centre.

Many seemed resigned to the change but Mr Daw, who operates the Simplee Sell eBay sales business from the Banda trading estate on Nursteed Road, was not prepared to leave it there.

He said: "At my own expense I am having stickers and posters printed. The stickers are designed to go in the backs of cars. We will be distributing them in the next few days.

"Kennet itself has described Devizes as being in a downward spiral, but they are doing nothing to stop the trend. Without doubt charging for parking in the Market Place will do damage to the town's business community.

"The ability for the town to compete with its rivals in Wiltshire comes down to motorists being able to park free of charge. Otherwise they are just going to go elsewhere.

"Station Road being an alternative to people who just want to drop in and go to the bank or the paper shop is a laughable suggestion."

Kennet's community development executive committee last week voted by five votes to four with three abstentions to bring in parking charges in the new financial year.

It will require ticket machines and signs being erected in the town's conservation area.

The plan will still have to be ratified at the next full council meeting and then go out to consultation with the police and the county council.

The poster reads: "Free Devizes! We don't want a ghost town. Keep parking free in Devizes."