CAR-SHARERS and parking-fee dodgers are clogging up an historic railway station's free car park, claim traders.

Carnforth Chamber of Trade is calling for more parking to protect business and entice more visitors to the town following reports that a free car park outside Carnforth Station is being used by car pools and people unwilling to pay Lancaster city centre car park prices.

The car park, owned by Rail Track and controlled by First North Western, is managed with the co-operation of Carnforth Railway Station Trust.

Traditionally, rail passengers, shoppers and traders have used the 120-plus free spaces.

Unlike many other station car parks, parking has remained free to all users - but increasing pressure for places has forced local users out.

Both chamber of trade and railway trust representatives say they have received reports of car sharers parking up to three vehicles there all day. Other people park and pay the train fare into Lancaster to avoid city-centre car park charges of up to £5.

The station trust's Peter Yates says parking is not a major problem if people are prepared to walk a small distance - and he hopes a compromise can be found, such as free parking for rail users and short-term par-king coupled with an all day charge.

"This is a very complicated issue but there is room for give and take on both sides," he says.

The Chamber of Trade's Rick Marsden says: "Most traders would say there are inadequate car park facilities in Carnforth. There are visitors in the tourist season, people who come to stay at caravan parks and a number of new developments - they all need catering for."

The Chamber of Trade plans to meet Carnforth Town Council to discuss the issue on June 24.