Shoppers 'driven out' by Ellesmere parking patrols
Fears have been raised by councillors in Ellesmere that people are becoming too scared to come to the town because of 'over-policing' by parking attendants.
They claim the sight of too many attendants is causing people, especially the elderly, to become distressed and shop elsewhere.
They are planning to write a letter to Shropshire Council to ask for a full financial breakdown of how much it costs to manage the car parks.
This will include details on how many parking tickets have been issued and how much has been spent on improvements to the car parks.
Shropshire Council was unavailable to comment on the claims today. But some councillors and trading chiefs in the town have argued car parks are well policed.
The issue was raised at a meeting of Ellesmere Town Council on Monday night, where Councillor Ian Ward said car parks were half empty due to the regular sights of attendants on patrol. He said: "We are being over policed. It's over-kill.
"If there is not enough work for them, then reduce the number of staff. The car parks are half empty."
Councillor Brian Knight said: "I agree with Councillor Ward – this town is going to suffer.
"A lot of local people are very concerned. We are trying to encourage people into Ellesmere but people are becoming frightened to come here."
But Mayor Councillor Alan Clarke claimed the town was in a very good position, saying: "Ellesmere is a thriving town. We only have two empty shops.
"We are in a very good position and have got to make sure Ellesmere remains a town which people want to come to."
By James Pugh
