Ref. 28555-09AN OLD Town pub landlord claims he's losing £10,000 a year because customers can't find a place to park.

Pete Durnford of The Wheatsheaf, says he is losing trade because Swindon Council has sold off land previously used for car parking.

"I know that my takings have gone down because parking is such a problem and other local businesses have also suffered," he said.

While sales of food and drink have increased at the Newport Street pub, the massive losses have been in the accommodation end of the business.

"Two years ago, most of the rooms were full all year round," said Mr Durn-ford.

"We still get a lot of customers enquiring about rooms, but as soon as they hear about the parking they go elsewhere."

Born and bred in Swindon, Mr Durn-ford, 36, said: "It's not only that parking spaces have gone.

"Since the council took control of parking regulations, restrictions and fines have become a lot harsher.

"There are quiet roads, with no access routes, where people used to park safely, now double yellow lines have been re-painted and there are more traffic wardens and fines.

"The restrictions on some smaller roads are pointless meters would be better."

Swindon Council decriminalised parking in September last year. Traffic wardens became council employees and the revenue generated from parking fines now benefits the council.

Richard Woloszynsky of Design Works on the High Street said: "Parking here is a nightmare for workers and visitors. If you're not here by 8.30 in the morning you are stuck for a space."

Elaine Young, owner of Young's on Wood Street said the tougher parking restrictions had cleared the roads, which was better for deliveries. "It probably has deterred some customers who would've pulled over and popped in before," she said.

Old Town and Lawn Councillors Mike Bawden and Wendy Johnson deny parking is a big problem in the area.

Coun Bawden said: "December's car parking figures showed that the car parks were not fully occupied more than 50 per cent of the time.

"Although parking in the evenings might be a problem."

A third of the parking spaces in Old Town's main public car park on Devizes Road were lost when the council sold the land for the multi-million pound Britannia Place development three years ago, earning £400,000 in the process.

Coun Johnson admitted car parking spaces had been lost but said: "There are no excuses for parking illegally, it is a hazard and should be penalised.

"There are too many cars on the road and public transport needs to be improved."