ANSDELL shopkeepers fear a trade shutdown with the return of the British Open Golf Championship to Royal Lytham in the year 2001.

Despite bringing almost £14 million to Fylde on its last visit, some traders lost out and fear a repeat of extensive parking restrictions that deterred people visiting their shops for the duration of the competition.

When the championship arrived in 1996, thousands of police cones prevented residents from parking outside their houses and local shops. Leslie Cook, owner of Cooks fish and chip shop on Woodlands Road, said: " I'm not chuffed at all if the police do what they did last time - it was like gestapo tactics.

"We lost local trade because of the parking restrictions. Even local workmen couldn't stop for one minute to get some tea.

"It was like talking to a brick wall when we spoke to the police and the councillors. The county council made the decision on the parking and they know nothing about the area."

Charles Peill, assistant manager at Booths supermarket, also on Woodlands Road, said: "Business was better the week of the golf, but not as good as we expected.

"I'm pleased it's coming back because it can be good for local trade, but at the end of the day it's the local people who lose out.

"The parking situation hindered the week. We brought extra stuff and promotions in, but it really wasn't worth it."

Two other shopkeepers said Ansdell may as well shut down for the duration of the tournament as all of the money brought to the area goes to hoteliers and people who choose to rent out their houses.

A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "All of the restrictions last year were imposed after consultation with the police.

"If concerns are being voiced, they should write to the county surveyor who will take their opinions into consideration."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.