NELSON shopping centre bosses today revealed they are in talks with five high street chains they want to bring to the town.

But 4D Properties, which bought Pendle Rise earlier this year, has said it will have to start charging people to park in the centre's multi-storey car park from next week -- just five weeks before Christmas -- to attract top retailers.

Civic leaders and regeneration bosses are angry at the move to abandon free parking. But 4D chief executive Doug Rudling today said the charges were the price to pay for investment and the company is acting in Nelson's best interests.

He added negotiations with high street stores were ongoing and Card Factory has just signed a deal to move into Pendle Rise.

Mr Rudling said: "We have carried out massive improvements to the car park and the shopping centre.

"When we took over we unearthed reports of people being very unhappy with the car park, saying it was badly lit and they were afraid to go in there.

"We've completely re-lit it, we've repainted it, we've redone the fire exit and it's cost us an awful lot of money.

"Between us and the previous owners £750,000 has been put into the centre refurbishing it and bringing people in.

"We believe in the centre of Pendle and believe it is going places but we have to put money in to attract retailers.

"I come to Pendle once every two weeks and I can't remember when the disabled or mother and child spaces were free.

"I know for a fact 75 per cent of the cars in there are not people using the shopping centre.

"The car park is there for customers, not staff or people who work in an office somewhere."

Security company Excel Parking Services Ltd has signed a 15 year deal with 4D and a valeting service could operate from the car park, washing customer cars while they shop.

Customers will be charged 50p for an hour, £1 for two hours, £1.50 for four hours, £2 for six hours and £2.50 for 12 hours.

But civic leaders are unhappy at the move. Pendle Council leader Coun Alan Davies said: "We are disappointed this has been implemented with no discussion with the council whatsoever."

Executive director for regeneration Brian Cookson, who will be meeting 4D to discuss the move, said: "A vibrant and viable town centre is what we're all after here. That's got to be good for Pendle Rise and the people with shops and the parking element of that is something that's got to be considered in the round.

"Nevertheless, Nelson is going to be a good place to come shopping at Christmas."