A FURTHER loss of parking in Clitheroe town centre could leave the town’s retail area desolated, a leading trader has warned.

The president of the town’s Chamber of Trade has issued a rallying call to other firms over the dangers the town faces if more parking spaces are taken away.

Nigel Pratt, who owns Clitheroe Travel, said plans for another traffic order in King Street, as well as the ongoing debate over a residents’ parking scheme in the Church Street area, were affecting town centre busin-esses.

“The addition of loading bays and timed loading and unloading areas will have an impact on the ability of customers to park near the businesses and for deliveries to those businesses,” he said.

“A proposed residents’ car parking scheme that looks certain to be put forward to Lancashire County Council could seriously damage businesses and have a knock on effect that could see it being expanded across the town and affect other retail areas.

“Residents of Church Brow and York Street are after 24- hour parking permits for their cars, plus visitor passes.

“A significant number of residents’ spaces and shared use spaces will be permanently taken for resident parking only, despite the majority of residents having some form of off-street parking.”

The chamber is urging town centre businesses to take a stand by making their views known to the council and canvassing support from their customers.

Mr Pratt has sent out a campaign letter titled “It’s Time To Wake Up”, to all town centre businesses and councillors.