SHOPKEEPERS in Corri-ngham fear plans to increase parking charges and scrap the town’s remaining free car parks will kill off their businesses.

Traders are planning to fight Thurrock Council plans to increase charges for on-street and off-street parking, put forward as an alternative to spending cuts in the council’s budget.

Corringham Traders’ Association member Sharon Jarrold, of ND Fuller Butchers, in St John’s Way, has already collected 120 names on a protest petition.

She said: “It is going to kill our businesses. People won’t want to shop here any more.

“The current proposal would see parking charges go up by more than half, with charges also implemented at car parks which are currently free.”

The Tory council’s cabinet estimates the move will bring in a much-needed £175,000 over the next year.

Labour opposition leader John Kent tried unsuccessfully to get the plans thrown out at a full council meeting.

He said: “This is likely to have a detrimental effect, and frankly, it’s barmy in the current climate.

“Small businesses need all the help they can get. We need to demonstrate we are on their side, not making things even tougher for them.”

Council leader Terry Hispey said: “We have had to make some tough decisions.

“We want to keep council tax as low as possible for everyone in the borough.”

The plans have also drawn fire from Labour MP for East Thurrock and Basildon, Angela Smith.

She said: “I have spoken to a number of shopkeepers and shoppers and like me, they cannot understand the logic of the council’s actions, especially at this time, when it is difficult enough for small businesses.

“It’s hard to see how the council will raise any money anyway, when you take into account the fact they’ll either have to install meters or machines to issue tickets and then employ people to monitor the parking and collect the money.”

Traders are organising a public meeting on the issue in Corringham Village Hall at 7pm tonight.