BUSINESS owners in Diglis have called for a new parking scheme to be suspended before it forces them to move.

The cry for help from the independent businesses comes just over a month after landowners Taylor Wimpey brought in the strict restrictions.

Since they have come into force customers visiting businesses in the newly developed area have been receiving tickets if they are not parked correctly, costing them up to £100.

Richard Noble, who owns PF2 Health Club, says his business is being threatened by the system as gym goers don’t know where is safe to park.

“I am not messing around with my e-mail,” he said. “I have requested immediate temporary suspension to the parking scheme before it forces the closure of PF2 Health Club in Diglis.

“We are starting to see drops in membership because a gym needs to be convenient for people.

“If we can’t get members there is only one option for me – I will have to find somewhere else to go.”

His plea echoes those made by other companies in the area in June, which asked the landowners not to implement the scheme in the first place.

Julian Hill, a director at Zebra Architects, has al- ways fought against the scheme.

He said: “We are having to park all over the shop. There have been a few embarrassing moments and it will only take one customer to get a ticket.”

Residents have also been hit by the restrictions.

As your Worcester News reported earlier this month, people living in the area who only have one allocated parking space but more than one vehicle have also been receiving tickets.

But Taylor Wimpey maintain the vast majority of residents were in favour of the scheme.

A spokesman said: “A parking permit system has recently been introduced at Diglis Water to alleviate congestion, and a site-wide survey undertaken by Taylor Wimpey has shown that the vast majority of residents are in favour of the scheme.

“The scheme is being closely monitored and is due to be reviewed in September.

“Taylor Wimpey residents, together with the businesses on the development, have all been issued with relevant parking permits.”