TRADERS in Malvern fear a move to introduce extra parking restrictions will damage business and make it difficult for some firms to survive.

Worcestershire County Council is considering changing parking restrictions and crossing points along Newtown Road due to the increase in traffic from the growing Malvern Vale development at North Site.

But traders believe changes would be harmful and unnecessary and are preparing to fight any proposals. They have launched a petition, which already has several hundred signatures.

Sue Smith, of Aspect Design, said: “If this happens, it will kill business completely. On-street parking is vital for the businesses here to exist.

“This could completely finish the street and there is a lot of anger about it. We are talking about people’s livelihoods.”Beverley Nielsen, county councillor for Malvern Trinity division, said: “Anything that could affect trade is something that people rightly worry about.”

A county council spokesman said: “The reason such restrictions are under consideration is the fact the North Site development will bring extra vehicles into the area which could impact upon traffic congestion.

“Our aim is to keep the road as safe as possible and make sure traffic flows as efficiently as possible. We also wish to see local businesses thrive and to strike an important balance.”

Any proposal would be subject to public consultation and would need the backing of members to proceed.